Stroke A stroke can be an extremely challenging medical event to cope with and recover from; patients must simultaneously overcome physical, cognitive and emotional challenges and many stroke survivors report frustrations with the recovery process. In-home services can help ensure a successful recovery at home to maximize long-term independence. Caring for someone with a stroke is challenging. Behaviour, memory, communication, and physical capabilities can all be impacted by stroke. When a loved one is first hospitalized immediately after a stroke, families usually step in to help supply information about the patient’s history and symptoms, check on treatments, convey patient care preferences, and generally serve as the connection between the hospital staff and the patient. You suddenly become the patient’s voice and chief advocate. As treatment progresses, you, as the primary caregiver, also might be involved in choosing a rehabilitation (rehab) facility, coordinating home care services, providing transportation, housekeeping, and cooking, and communicating with physicians and rehab staff. As time goes on and continuing deficits persist, you also may be dealing with the patient’s depression, and physical care needs, coordinating home care and occupational, speech, or physical therapy, facilitating communication if there is speech impairment, and providing mental and physical health.

Advances in cancer treatment and changes in healthcare systems have led to shorter hospital stays. Still, cancer patients often require specialized healthcare assistance as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Family & Nursing Care’s home care services provide temporary and ongoing care so that your loved one remains safe and comfortable at home. Sometimes patients want to be cared for at home so they can be in familiar surroundings with family and friends. Home care services can help patients stay at home by using a team approach with doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and others. The benefits of home care to clients with cancer are not new. In a 1989 study, McCorkle carried out a randomized clinical trial to determine the effects of home nursing care versus usual office care for 166 patients with progressive lung cancer. Although there were no differences in pain, significant differences in symptom distress, enforced social dependency, and health perceptions were reported. These results suggest that home care assists patients with preventing unnecessary distress from symptoms and maintaining their independence longer.

From assisting with daily activities and housekeeping to ensuring support during nausea, anaemia, pain, infection, and other complications, cancer caregivers and home care mitigate stress and make clients as comfortable as possible.