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Daily Living Impact of Stroke


Patients and families may experience a range of emotions that can include disbelief, anger, guilt, depression, isolation, panic and hope. These emotions are normal and an expected part of the process. Our compassionate rehabilitation team helps patients in the areas daily impact.

Activities of Daily Living

These include work, school, leisure, and self-care activities like grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting. Patients may either be totally dependent upon others to care for them, or they be able to resume aspects of self-care. Regaining independence in these areas is a focus of our occupational therapy department.

Leisure Skills

Physical and cognitive changes may make it hard to participate in leisure activities. WakeMed therapeutic recreation specialists help patients find new ays to enjoy hobbies and leisure.

Psychosocial

Early in recovery, patients often cannot understand what has happened to them. They may be very fearful or angry and have no control over their emotions. As patients recover, they may begin to understand their situation, which can put them at risk for depression or other adjustment difficulties. The injured brain can often heal, and the changes can be inspiring. Along with the hope brought by recovery is the balance of acceptance of more permanent changes.

Loved Ones

A stroke affects everyone who knows and cares about the patient. All members of the family should ensure adequate rest, good nutrition and a return to a normal routines as soon as possible. 

Young children can be distressed, confused and upset. If you’re not sure how to explain a stroke to a child, or if you have questions about how to prepare the child to visit the patient, we can arrange a consultation with one of WakeMed’s child life specialists.