26 September 2023
If you are a stroke survivor, or perhaps know or care for someone who is, you may be dealing with a variety of daily challenges as a result of post-stroke symptoms. Everyone experiences stroke differently, but many people find they have one or more lasting difficulties, with things such as mobility, fatigue, memory loss, and coordination problems, amongst a whole host of other possible symptoms.
To help with these difficulties, daily living aids can provide support across daily activities that increase the independence of a survivor. Below, we have put together a guide of our best picks of products for stroke survivors that can make their lives significantly easier.
Stroke causes damage within the brain, and the post-stroke symptoms a person experiences depend upon which areas of the brain are affected, and how severely.
Rehabilitation programmes, healthy living and physiotherapy can help a great deal, as can the support of an Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT looks at daily tasks a person finds challenging, due to illness, injury or disability, and aims to find ways to adapt these tasks so the person can carry them out independently.
This may include everyday chores such as preparing a meal, taking a walk to the shops, or learning a new hobby. An Occupational Therapist may also be able to recommend special equipment known as ‘daily living aids’ which are designed to help people stay independent.
It’s useful to understand more about some of the daily living aids that are available, as they can help make daily living easier after a stroke. So, after talking to our team of Occupational Therapist product advisors, we have compiled this list of 6 products for stroke survivors, or post-stroke carers that can help a great deal.
Many stroke survivors can walk and get around but may find they tire easily or that their balance is affected. A rollator could help if you are mobile and can bear weight on both legs but experience dizziness, tiredness or if your gait is affected.
A rollator can be hugely beneficial in helping a person get around inside and outside the home. A four-wheeled rollator option offers you an integral seat – perfect for resting if you tire or become dizzy whilst walking.
If you have difficulty standing for long periods, or experience fatigue post-stroke, this perching stool is super versatile.
A perching stool with arms and a padded back enables you to rest comfortably whilst doing things around the home. You could use it in the kitchen whilst making drinks or preparing food; you can use it at the sink in the bathroom when brushing your teeth or applying make-up; you can even use it safely within a shower cubicle or a wet room to wash more comfortably. It has a slightly sloped seat design to help you ‘perch’ and rise back up more easily.
Stroke sometimes leads to weakness down one side of the body, which may mean a person only has good use of one hand and arm. This can affect lots of tasks around the home – particularly when preparing food. This is where food preparation aids can prove to be especially helpful.
A kitchen spread board with spikes and grater comes in many forms, but the Healthcare Pro version consists of a spacious, non-slip board that includes a corner section with raised edge, perfect for placing bread or toast against to make spreading easier with one hand. It also features a removable set of spikes to hold vegetables, fruit and so on in place so you can peel, slice or chop with one hand.
Some people recovering from stroke may struggle with their mobility due to balance and coordination problems or muscle weakness. Those who can get around may find it difficult to coordinate walking and carrying things around the home, for example, taking meals and drinks from room to room.
There are several mobility tea trolleys around but none quite like the Duo walking trolley Unlike many other household trolleys on the market, the Duo 200 provides support whilst you walk and has a clever braking function that enables you to push down on the frame to stop the trolley moving. This means there are no hand brakes required so less coordination is needed, and you can stay in control of the trolley without it running away from you.
Many of us don’t think much about going to the toilet – it is just a part of everyday life that we have to do! But, after a stroke, some people find physically using their toilet challenging. Bending to sit down on a low seat and then standing back up again actually requires a lot of muscle work, balance and coordination – all of which may be affected after a stroke. As a result, toilet frames with a seat provide a great amount of support to increase independence.
If you’re finding it awkward, strenuous or uncomfortable to use the toilet, a toilet frame with a seat attached is adjustable and could help – simply position it over your existing toilet and use the integrated arms to help you rise and lower onto the higher, shaped seat more easily.
Stroke may affect a person’s memory and other cognitive processes such as thinking and planning. A person recovering from a stroke who can live independently may need support from others close by, such as family, friends, neighbours or carers. It is important to have the ability to communicate with others in case you need help or just a chat. Using a complicated mobile phone to keep in touch with people may be more difficult if you’ve had a stroke, so why not consider simple mobile phones instead?
The Doro 780X can store four important telephone numbers, each with a large speed dial button. There’s also an ‘SOS’ button on the back to press in an emergency, which sends a text message to all four of your contacts to let them know you need assistance.
These six superb products for stroke survivors can really make a difference in recovery, but they are only a very small selection of the thousands of different health aids and daily living aids that may be useful for you.
Everyone recovering from a stroke is likely to have different needs and experiences, and if these six items are not quite right for you, there are many other options available! Having the right support is key to getting back your independence, confidence and ability.
If you are looking for more help and advice on what products for stroke survivors will be most beneficial, we provide an excellent service at Healthcare Pro. If you have any other questions about strokes, any treatment you could have, or our household aids in our stock that can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
By subscribing you consent to us using your email address in accordance with our privacy policy.