Support and care

The family is the biggest support system for stroke survivors. It is widely known that stroke survivors tend to recover faster when they have family members supporting them, compared to those who only rely on professionals. ParkCity Medical Centre Rehabilitative Services head Andrew Reggie says, “The role of a caregiver does not fall only on one person’s shoulder, it is a shared responsibility. Every stroke survivor requires a different kind of help in his journey to get better. So, family members play a crucial role in stroke survivors’ recovery, be it physically or emotionally.”

He further reminds caregivers to always have a positive mindset while caring for their loved ones and helping them to become more independent. He adds, “Only help them on things that they cannot do. This way, it can train them to become more independent.”

Besides physical and emotional support, caregivers must also pay greater attention when it comes to preparing meals for stroke survivors. There are certain foods that should either be taken frequently, or avoided to reduce the risk of another stroke. This includes:

▪ Emphasising the consumption of fruits and vegetables

▪ Lessening processed and canned foods

▪ Reducing salt and sugar intakes while cooking

▪ Cutting down on all saturated fats