Preparing for caregiving

If you are going to be a caregiver, think about your role before you start. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I ready to work with the person on stroke recovery?
• What are the stroke survivor's needs?
• Who can best help meet the stroke survivor's needs?
• Who will be the main caregiver?
• Will this need to be scheduled around my work or other activities?

You will have time during discharge to talk to program staff about caregiving and about making a plan.

Take care of yourself

Being a caregiver means you need to take care of yourself, too.

Take time each day to just be by yourself. If that doesn't work, take a day or two off during the week. This will refresh you and make you a better caregiver.

Don't be afraid to ask the stroke survivor's family or friends for help. Ask about community agencies, volunteer groups, churches, respite care or nursing agencies that can help you.

Enjoy hobbies or friends. They will bring fun and positive feeling into your life.

Learn about stroke

Learn all you can about stroke:

• symptoms and warning signs
• risk factors
• treatment and care (hospital care and medicines)

Check out education classes or information in your community.

Support groups and resources are available for stroke survivors and caregivers.

If you have any questions, call your library or ask the stroke survivor's health care team.