Role of family and friends in stroke recovery and rehabilitation

You, doctors and hospital staff aren't the only ones who take part in rehabilitation. The role of your family and friends is important, too. They need to understand what you are going through and how the stroke has affected you.

The adjustment may be easier if family and friends know how to handle problems that may come up after you leave the hospital.

Family and friends can also help by giving you support and encouragement.

Family and friends can help by:

• dealing with their own reactions (including anger, anxiety, resentment, etc.)
• knowing that your progress can be slow
• visiting and talking with you
• letting you know you are still needed and important
• supporting your rehabilitation decisions
• becoming educated about your condition and recovery
• asking to go along to therapy sessions
• showing confidence in your improvement
• taking care of themselves by eating well, getting rest and doing things they enjoy
• sharing responsibilities
• being realistic in knowing you may have recovery limits.