Stroke recovery and rehabilitation: Role of family and friends

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