Stroke Rehabilitation and National Stroke Association of Malaysia or NASAM
Many people feel quite uncertain on how they will cope with caring for a stroke survivor at home. If you are the main carer, the most important things are to:
1. Get information about what services and support are available for rehab
2. Do not do everything yourself. Get practical help with daily routine
3. Be flexible
4. Give your self a regular break
It is never easy to be a care giver. When first faced with the situation, we knew next to nothing about stroke, its causes, treatment etc. We found it very difficult to get any information at all. The doctors were very busy and deemed it a favor to us to discuss the case. Now thanks to National Stroke Association of Malaysia or NASAM I know a little bit more. This post is written in a direct, non medical tone as a reference to caregivers of stroke patients. Even if a care giver finds it useful, I will be contented.
Basically we faced a situation where the patient woke up after being in a state of coma for 3 weeks. We had already spent a fortune. We were afraid of letting her leave the hospital as we were afraid we would not know how to deal with the patient or to care for her. But the medical expenses were piling up and we simply couldn’t afford the expense of leaving her there indefinitely.
Benghui playing with a wheelchair.
The doctor gave his blessings for her to leave the hospital. It was fortunate that she was able to sit upright on a wheelchair during the flight home. We inquired about medical care facilities and it was very expensive and didn’t fully meet our needs. We were advised to provide a full time maid for the patient at the nursing home. That defeated the purpose of leaving her in a nursing home. Together with monthly nursing home charges, medical bills, physiotherapy, pampers, medical supplies, medication etc, we estimated we needed at least Rm4,000 a month.
The specialist advised us to leave her at home as it was cleaner and she would face less chances of infection. The family bought a special bed for Rm3800: one which the head and leg section can be raised. This would make it easier to turn the patient. Please do not try to save on the bed. It is a very important piece of equipment. A wheelchair would be very useful as well as arrangements made with individual(s) to send the patient to medical care when and if required.
We sent the patient to the general hospital for physiotherapy. Always remember to be alert when physiotherapy is being given. Repeat the exercises at home. Remember the first few months are crucial for the patient. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Improvise if you do not have the same aids used in the general hospital. There are private physiotherapists who can spend more time with the patient.
The patient needs to be turned once at least every three hours. Fed every six hours.
We found out the patient’s nutritional needs from the general hospital and tried to follow it strictly. But in the end we blended mainly vegetables, chicken stock, fruits, vitamins and supplements etc. It seems to be working.
For the record, as of today, 3.5 months down the road, the patient has shown the ability to nod, blink, some movement in her fingers and seem to be able to move her legs slightly. I am not a doctor. I can only share what we have experienced and hope this sharing will help some one else in the future.
recovery from stroke rejoicing and praising God
Malaysian health-services and the mighty ringgit
stroke-and-easy-chair
Of physiotheraphy, physiotherapist and a special place in heaven
I turned to NASAM too for extra reference. Yes frequent physiotherapy is the best thing.
Prayer n faith too
I can only offer a prayer of recovery for your patient. And wish you success.
thank u
My uncle had a stroke before Christmas last year. His family arranged for him to have accupunture three times a week and regular therapy. He is now able to slowly move his legs and hands and with assistance, walk several steps.
he sounds like he is making great progress
Hopefully she will continue to improve. It must be very hard, as progress can be slow, and the worry always there. Love can move mountains.
- FF
we can but jus hope n pray
You’re doing a great job, BB.
jus do wat has to be done..there is so much
my grandma is currently in the hospital n she recently had a stroke.. shes been in the hospital for almost 4 months now n jst as we wanted to take her home she developed a chest n lung infection… its a very slow recovery n we clearly dont know wat to do n i guess now im gonna pay a visit to NASAM for further assistance
it is sad but for us it has been five months since the incident. the progress has been very slow. I suggest you get as much information as you can. requires a lot of love and patience. God bless.