Enduring and recovering from a stroke is both a physically and emotionally challenging undertaking, and the main thing the stroke survivor longs for is to return home to his or her typical life. However, considering that around two-thirds of stroke survivors usually have some form of disability (per the National Stroke Association) in-home safety alterations may be necessary to make life throughout the stroke recovery process safer and easier.

The great news is that there are some basic strategies that can improve safety and accessibility for a person who is recovering from a stroke. Following are a few post-stroke home modification suggestions from the Walnut Creek home care professionals at Hillendale Home Care:

 

Prevent Falls:

Around 40% of stroke survivors sustain significant falls within a year after their strokes. These pointers can help lessen the risk of trips and falls in the house:

  • Ensure that hallways and paths to the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are clear so the person can move about with ease
  • Consider stair glides or platform lifts for any stairways in the house
  • Clear away or secure loose rugs
  • Install grab bars in the bathtub or shower
  • Put in a shower chair or tub bench
  • Use non-slip mats inside and outside the tub

 

Ease Laundry Tasks:

Taking care of laundry calls for a good deal of reaching, lifting, bending and pulling that may be challenging for someone recovering from a stroke. The following tips can help:

  • Relocate washers and dryers to a more easily accessible location in the home
  • Think about installing stackable, front-loading machines
  • Place detergents and other laundry supplies in an easy-to-reach location
  • Use an ironing board that is mounted to the wall and folds down

 

Make the Bedroom Safer:

The bedroom needs to be a place of sanctuary and safety. To be sure it stays that way after a stroke, consider these ideas:

  • Set up a light switch near the bed
  • Rearrange clothes and personal items to make them easier to access
  • Keep a commode chair near the bed

 

With our in-home safety assessments and suggestions, Hillendale Home Care, providers of Pleasant Hill in home care as well as care in the surrounding areas, can help ensure that a loved one’s home is safe and secure for stroke recovery. Our compassionate caregivers can also provide the care and assistance he or she may need to improve recovery and make life more efficient. Contact us today at 925-933-8181 for more stroke recovery tips or to learn more about our home care services.