Supporting our clients after a stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The resulting lack of oxygen to the brain causes damage that affects how the body functions.
There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. But no two strokes are the same, which means there is no set pattern for recovering from one. It also depends on the type of stroke you have and the stroke services that are available in your area.
How well you recover and how long it takes is also different for everyone but making sure that you receive care quickly will give you the best possible chance of making a good recovery.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary from person to person, but usually begin suddenly. The main stroke symptoms include:
- Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
- Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you are saying to them.
How we can help?
At Eximius we believe individuals recovering from a stroke should be cared and supported in a familiar setting surrounded by their loved ones. Our companions can play a vital role in helping clients maintain a positive morale crucial in maintaining good health and wellbeing. Additionally, companions can help clients:
- Do their physiotherapy exercises in between their sessions with the physiotherapist
- Provide emotional support and reassurance that their condition will improve with time
- Help motivate them to reach their long-term goals
- Adapt to any needs they may have, such as speaking slowly if they have communication difficulties
Companions at Eximius caring for stroke clients have recalled several success stories. Many stroke clients have been told by medical professionals of the unlikelihood of mobility being regained, however have been able to recover beyond expectations.
Eximius puts this somewhat down to our extremely hard-working companions who consistently encourage clients to carry out physiotherapy exercises, provide clients with healthy nutritional meals and give companionship.
Furthermore, our companions can help with
Managing and administering medications
All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and aware of client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover. Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a clients family know that their loved one is being looked after. This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure of the client’s family.
Personal care
Often individuals recovering from a stroke have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep stroke clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Following a stroke an individual can become frustrated and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
After a stroke, an individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free
Reasons to choose Eximius
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes, what might trigger them and build a level of trust.
Knowledge and experience
Our clinical lead can liaise with health professionals to ensure the correct rehabilitation programme is in place, and that carers are trained correctly to carry it out with clients.
Flexibility
Because we are a small owner run company, we are able to be very fast and flexible with decision making. We are very involved with all our clients, so as a client’s needs change, we adapt and change with them.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.