IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN TAKING CARE OF STROKE PATIENTS

In order to provide good care of stroke patients, the first importance is to clearly know about patient health condition and personal needs. Prior to hospital discharge, doctors will inform patients about follow-up requirement to have a program for comprehensive functional rehabilitation.

Below are important notes need to remember when taking care of stroke patients.

► Regular follow-up visit: Patients with a stroke history will have more severe complications in case of stroke recurence. Therefore, besides caring for patient activities of daily living, family members need to closely monitor prescription compliance and revisit timely or as soon as abnormalities manifest.
 
► Ensure a healthy diet for patients: Nutrition plays a significant role in patient health improvement and preventing disease recurrence . Patients need a healthy diet to keep a proper balance of vitamins and nutrients.
 
► Help patients concentrate on positive thoughts: Depression  is commonly seen in stroke patients that can interfere their recovery ability. This can be limited by helping patients concentrate on positive thoughts, get them into a natural environment as much as possible, and consult with a doctor to develop an action plan if needed.
 
► Encourage patients for physical exercise and activities of daily living: Many stroke patients often have reduced mobility, but with proper and regular exercise, this condition will gradually improve. Even basic motions such as sitting up, standing up, sitting down, walking… are very beneficial when they are done daily. This will help patients “recall and relearn” the memory of motion pattern.
 
Dr. Nguyen Nhu Ai – Head of Physiotherapy – Functional Rehabilitation Department recommends that in some cases, improper or inadequate exercise can result in delayed and incomplete patient recovery.  Hence, patients should visit reliable medical facilities to plan for workout programs basing on the severity of their lesions and physical appearance. Additionally, patients also receive physiotherapist’s instructions on proper positions, usage of supporting devices and daily living activity training which are effective for mobility recovery and improving the quality of life.  
 
At the Physiotherapy – Functional Rehabilitation Department, AIH, our staff are always ready to support,  listen to customer feedback and provide health education services. With the treatmment of comprehensive physiotherapy – functional rehabilitation and dedicated care given by AIH’s health workers, patients will be improved in pain, mobility, prevented secondary damages thereby improving the quality of life.