1. Treat Hemiplegia by Relearning
Hemiplegia, or one-sided paralysis, is a very common outcome of a stroke. Recovering use of the affected side of the body is often possible, at least to some degree. It takes months and sometimes years to relearn and recover the function, but there is a general course that physical therapists will take when working with stroke victims, since stroke is such a common medical condition. Each person's stroke episode is different, but there are expected deficiencies depending on the location in the brain where the tissue damage took place. Ask the stroke victim's neurologist to give you a ballpark idea of what sort of recovery can be expected.
2. Learn New Ways to Move
At first, just moving around after a stroke can seem an insurmountable task. With one side of the body paralyzed, life slows down a lot, but it need not stop. In the hospital, the physical therapists will start as soon as possible to get a stroke survivor up and moving--usually within a few days of the event. Beyond the hospital and even beyond a rehab center, stroke survivors usually begin the mobility process in a wheelchair. Motorized wheelchairs can be operated by the person and require the use of just one hand. As strength increases, the patient's physical therapist may recommend a quad walker or other nonwheeled mobility device.
3. Eat Better With the Help of Assistive Devices
Even eating is difficult with just one functioning side. The occupational therapist can give referrals to companies that produce items such as plate guards, nonslip bowls and cups and rocking knives--all of which are designed to make eating with one hand a simple task.
4. Dress Yourself With the Help of Hook and Loop Tape
Hook and loop tape is a common example of the solutions that occupational therapists and hemiplegia survivors have come up with to help with dressing and other so-called "activities of daily living." Whether the Velcro is used on a shirt sleeve, shoes or pants, it makes for a sense of independence during stroke recovery.
5. Be Patient With Hygiene and Toileting Needs
Treating the effects of hemiplegia includes learning to be independent in the bathroom. Bathing, brushing teeth and using the toilet are multimovement processes, but physical and occupational therapists will help the stroke survivor build up the strength and abilities to do it independently.
