What to Do After a Stroke at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Supporting Your Loved One – and Yourself

Recovering from a stroke can feel overwhelming, especially in the first days and weeks after leaving the hospital. For stroke survivors and their caregivers, taking the right steps early on is key to building confidence and improving independence. A safe and supportive environment at home is an important starting point, but there’s more to consider.

Our article offers practical advice on what to do at home after a stroke, focusing on staying safe, managing medications, and building strength through therapy. It also covers eating well, improving speech and thinking, and finding emotional support for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

The information is backed by modern scientific research and includes expert insights.

Step 1: Set Up a Safer Home Environment

After a stroke, coming back home can feel a bit different, but there are ways to make things easier and safer for you.

You are starting your stroke supportive therapy journey.

Here are some tips to help you move around your home comfortably and stay safe:

1. Clear Your Path

• Make sure there’s nothing on the floor that could trip you, like loose rugs, cables, or clutter.
• Keep walkways clear, especially in places you often use, like the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

2. Add Helpful Support

• Install grab bars in places where you might need extra balance, like next to the toilet, in the shower, and along stairs. Your occupational therapist should be able to guide you on the best type and location of equipment.
• If you use a walking aid, like a stick or frame, make sure there’s enough space to move it around easily.

3. Choose the Right Furniture

• Use chairs with armrests to help you sit down and stand up safely.
• Your bed should be at a height that’s easy to get in and out of without struggling.

4. Set Up a Recovery Space

• Find a spot in your home where you can do your daily exercises or therapy.
• Keep the area calm, with everything you need nearby, like a water bottle, towel, or therapy tools.

5. Try Movement-Based Programs

Something like Soundsory® can help improve your balance and coordination at home. It’s an easy-to-use program designed to help your body and brain work better together. Soundsory® played a vital role in Cobi’s recovery after a stroke. Hear what his mum, Erin, has to say about it.

Take things one step at a time and don’t rush. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

Step 2: Medication and Medical Appointment Management

Managing your medications and medical appointments is very important after a stroke. Staying on top of these things can help you recover safely and avoid complications. Remember, it’s also okay to ask family or friends to help you with managing your medications and appointments if it feels overwhelming.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Organize Your Medications

• Use a pill organizer with sections for each day of the week. This helps you keep track of which pills you’ve taken.
• Set alarms on your phone to remind you when it’s time to take your medication.

2. Keep Track of Appointments

• Use a calendar to mark your doctor visits, therapy sessions, and follow-ups. A shared calendar, like one on your phone or a family planner, can help others keep track too.
• Plan ahead for transportation to these appointments if needed.

3. Log Your Symptoms

• Keep a daily journal where you write down how you’re feeling, any symptoms, and any side effects from your medication.
• Bring this journal to your medical appointments. It can help your doctor adjust your care plan.

4. Boost Your Organization and Memory

Consider using Forbrain®. It’s a cognitive stimulation program that’s scientifically-proven to help with focus and memory recall [1]. This can make it easier to stay organized with your medications and appointments.

Step 3: Support Mobility and Physical Recovery

Regaining your strength and mobility after a stroke is an important part of your recovery [2], and staying active can make a big difference.

Here are some tips to help you rebuild strength and stay safe:

1. Work with Your Therapists

• Reach out to your physical and occupational therapists as soon as you can. They’ll guide you in the best exercises for your recovery.
• Stay engaged with them throughout your journey, they’re there to help you get stronger and more confident.

2. Use Walking Aids

If you’ve been given a walker or cane, make sure to use it. These tools help you stay steady and avoid falls while moving around.

3. Do Daily Exercises

• Start with light stretches or standing exercises that your therapist has recommended. Even short walking routines can help improve your strength over time.
• You don’t have to do everything at once—small, consistent efforts are better than pushing too hard.

Explore our guide to structured activities you can do at home following a stroke.

4. Focus on Balance and Coordination

Soundsory® can be a helpful tool for improving balance and mobility. It works by stimulating your sensory-motor pathways, helping your brain and body move more smoothly together.

5. Rest and Recover

• It’s okay to feel tired—don’t overdo it. Keep your exercise sessions short and take breaks when you need them.
• Sleep is incredibly important for recovery. You may feel more tired than normal, which is fine. Afternoon naps and good quality sleep can boost your recovery.

Dr. Lizzie Benge, Sleep Medicine Physician and faculty member at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep, explains:

“Sleep is a critical component of recovery following a stroke, as it supports both cognitive and emotional rehabilitation. Sleep also supports resilience against stress, an important factor for survivors and caregivers as they navigate the challenges of recovery.”

Step 4: Focus on Speech and Cognitive Rehabilitation

Recovering your speech and mental sharpness after a stroke is an important step, and with a little patience and daily practice, you can make steady progress. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Work on Speech Every Day

Michelle Shepherd, Stroke Specialist Speech Therapist, recommends tailoring speech therapy that’s “relevant to the individual”.  As well as ensuring that “those around the stroke survivor are well-educated on stroke and communication strategies.”

• Try reading aloud, singing your favorite songs, or having simple conversations with family or friends.
• These activities help strengthen your speech and build confidence.

2. Use Forbrain® for Support

Forbrain® is a great tool for speech rehabilitation. It provides auditory feedback to help improve your clarity, pronunciation, and focus during speech practice.

3. Play Memory Games

• Spend time with puzzles, word searches, or card games like matching pairs. These exercises stimulate your brain and help improve memory and thinking skills.
• Choose games that you enjoy so it feels fun, not like work!

4. Stick to a Routine

Make these exercises part of your daily schedule. Even just a little bit of practice each day can add up to big improvements over time.

Step 5: Manage Nutrition and Eating Habits

Eating well will also help you recover, and with a few adjustments, mealtimes can be both enjoyable and manageable. Here’s how you can make it easier and healthier:

1. Prepare Simple, Healthy Meals

• Focus on meals that are easy to chew and swallow but still full of nutrients, like soups, smoothies, or soft vegetables.
• Try smaller, more frequent meals if large portions feel overwhelming.

2. Use Adaptive Utensils

• Weighted forks and spoons or utensils with larger handles can make it easier to hold and eat.
• Plate guards can help prevent food from sliding off, reducing frustration during meals.

3. Be Mindful of Swallowing

• If you’re having trouble swallowing, ask someone to sit with you during meals to ensure safety. This should be addressed with your speech therapist as soon as possible. 
• Take small bites, chew slowly, and don’t rush, it’s okay to take your time.

4. Get Involved in Meal Prep

If you’re able, help with simple tasks like stirring, peeling, or setting the table. It’s a great way to stay active and feel more independent.

Step 6: Provide Emotional and Psychological Support

Recovering from a stroke isn’t just about your body, it’s important to take care of your emotions too. Anxiety and depression are common after a stroke [3].

Feeling supported and staying positive can make a big difference in your journey. Here are some ideas to help:

1. Stay Connected with Others

• Invite friends and family to visit or call regularly. Talking with loved ones can lift your mood and remind you that you’re not alone.
• Even short conversations or shared activities can make your day feel brighter.

2. Explore Creative Outlets

• Try activities like painting, listening to music, or gardening. These hobbies can help reduce stress and give you a sense of accomplishment.
• Choose something you enjoy and let it be a calming and fun part of your day.

3. Use Soundsory® for Emotional Balance

Soundsory® can help promote calmness and emotional stability through rhythmic stimulation. It’s a great tool to help you feel more centered and in control.

4. Join a Support Group

• Look for local or online groups [4] for stroke survivors. Sharing experiences with people who understand what you’re going through can be comforting and inspiring.
• Support groups are also a great way to learn tips and hear success stories from others.

Step 7: Caregiver Self-Care – Avoiding Burnout

Caring for someone who’s had a stroke is an important and rewarding role, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Taking care of yourself is just as crucial as supporting your loved one, it helps you stay strong and avoid burnout.

Here are some tips to keep yourself healthy and balanced:

1. Take Regular Breaks

• Don’t feel guilty about stepping away. Scheduling short breaks to rest or recharge is essential.
• Ask for help from family, friends, or neighbors so you can have some time for yourself.

2. Consider Respite Care

Professional caregivers can step in temporarily to give you a break. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, this extra support can be a big help.

3. Use Tools for Independence

Tools like Soundsory® can help your loved one engage in independent therapy sessions. This can reduce some of the daily demands on you while supporting their recovery.

4. Focus on Your Own Well-Being

• Make time for activities that help you feel good, like walking, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
• Prioritize sleep and healthy eating—your energy is important, too.
• The American Stroke Association offers this fantastic resource [5] on self-care for caregivers.

5. Talk About Your Feelings

Don’t keep stress bottled up. There’s a lot of helpful information out there specifically for caregivers [6]. Make sure to use it to help yourself as well as your loved one. 

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. When you’re healthy and rested, you can provide better care for your loved one. You’re doing an amazing job, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it!

Final Thoughts: What Care Do Stroke Survivors Need at Home?

Taking small, simple steps can help make your daily life easier and support your recovery. You may need a bit of help with physical and emotional changes, as well as everyday tasks like washing, dressing, and managing your medications.

Our guide to activities for stroke patients gives you ideas to try alongside the stroke supportive therapy you’ll get from the professionals. 

Remember, recovery takes time, but every little effort you make brings you closer to your goals!

It also helps to understand what percentage of stroke patients make a full recovery. This can be reassuring and help you set goals that are realistic and achievable.

FAQs About What to Do After a Stroke at Home

How long does it take for the brain to settle after a stroke?

A stroke causes swelling and inflammation of the brain. This usually starts shortly after the stroke, peaks within the first few days, and how long it takes to settle depends on how severe the stroke was.

If the swelling or inflammation lasts longer, it can make recovery more difficult [7]. Early treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitation are important, as some studies suggest rehabilitation may help reduce inflammation [8] and improve recovery.

What to do after a mild stroke?

A mild stroke should still be taken seriously so it’s important to take steps to help your brain heal and prevent future strokes (secondary prevention).

To help your recovery, always follow your doctor’s advice and take any medications as told. 

Starting rehab early can help you regain skills, like moving better and thinking clearly. Eating healthy foods and staying active can make a big difference. 

If you smoke, now is the time to quit, as it lowers your risk of another stroke. 

Lastly, talk to your family, friends, or a support group about how you’re feeling—having people to lean on really helps.

What happens in the first 3 days after a stroke?

In the first hour, doctors will use scans like CT or MRI to check your stroke and decide on the best treatment. 

Over the next few days, they’ll monitor you closely to prevent risks like another stroke. 

If your stroke was caused by a clot, you may get tablets to thin your blood. 

Therapists will begin with exercises and walking to get you started on your recovery. The medical team will also work with you to plan your next steps, whether that’s more therapy, going home, or moving to another care setting.

Each step is focused on keeping you safe, preventing further issues, and helping you start your recovery [9].

Here’s some helpful information on a typical timeline [10] for the first few days after a stroke from Heart & Stroke Canada.

References

 1.      Jinju et al. Speech-auditory feedback training on cognitive dysfunctions in stroke patients. Published in: Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science, June 2017, Vol.26, No.6

2.      American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Physical effects of stroke. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/physical-effects

3.      American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Post-stroke depression. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/support-group-leader-resources/lesson-modules/post-stroke-depression

4.      American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke support group finder. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder

5.      American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Self-care for caregivers: Lesson modules. Retrieved 24 January 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/support-group-leader-resources/lesson-modules/self-care-for-caregivers

6.      American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Resources for caregivers, family, and friends. Retrieved 24 January 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/resources-for-caregivers–family-and-friends

7.      Rass, V., Schiefecker, A. J., Kofler, M., Ianosi, B., Gaasch, M., Rhomberg, P., … & Pfausler, B. (2019). Delayed resolution of cerebral edema is associated with poor outcome after nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke, 50(4), 828-836. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30869561/

8.      Couch, C., Mallah, K., Borucki, D. M., Bonilha, H. S., & Tomlinson, S. (2022). State of the science in inflammation and stroke recovery: A systematic review. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 65(2), 101546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101546

9.      Grefkes, C., & Fink, G. R. (2020). Recovery from stroke: current concepts and future perspectives. Neurological research and practice, 2, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00060-6

10. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.). The first few days after a stroke. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/recovery-and-support/stroke-care/first-few-days#:~:text=Understanding%20what%20happened,check%20for%20complications%20of%20stroke