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look
Visual things to pay attention to after returning home with your loved one
- Take note of potential obstacles that may interfere with daily activities like limited shower/bath space and rugs that could be trip hazards
- Watch out for signs of depression, if spasticity develops, and any bowel/bladder issues
- Keep an eye on your loved one’s condition, taking note of any signs of another stroke (face drooping, muscle weakness, slurred speech/confusion)
- Continue monitoring your loved one’s sleep habits and patterns: Do they take a lot of naps during the day? How is their nighttime sleep?

listen
Details to make note of after returning home with your loved one
- Talk to your loved one about how their needs may have changed now that they are in a more familiar space
- Discuss the possibility of bringing in home health aides to help you care for your loved one, if appropriate
- Reach out to a support group for tips on prioritizing your own well-being
- Pay attention to ways you can help optimize your loved one’s sleep hygiene (habits that promote quality nighttime sleep and daytime alertness)
“
LOOKING BACK AT IT, IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS NO EFFORT AT ALL. IT WAS WORTH EVERY EFFORT I PUT INTO IT.”
–JOHN, CAREGIVER

ASK
Conversations to have after returning home with your loved one
- Talk to your loved one’s primary care physician (PCP) about ongoing health management
- Request a schedule of anticipated follow-up appointments with your loved one’s PCP, neurologist, and physiatrist
- Reach out to the social worker/case manager if you’re not sure you’ll have adequate support for your role as caregiver back home

Do
Tasks to complete after returning home with your loved one
- If you work, contact your employer(s) to let them know about your plans going forward
- Review long-term healthcare benefits and create a financial plan/budget
- Before discharge, obtain a prescription for home healthcare (if needed) to ensure Medicare coverage
- Put together your caregiver schedule, and plan respite time as needed

Caution
Talk to a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one, which may mean the stroke is progressing:
- Muscle tightness, cramping, and spasms, which may be signs of spasticity
- Severe headaches, fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, which may be signs of high blood pressure
- Heart palpitations, sudden pounding or “fluttering” in the chest, and dizziness, which may be signs of atrial fibrillation (or AFib)
- Uncontrollable laughing or crying, which may be signs of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)

CAREGIVER
MATTERS
Returning home may be both relieving and nerve-wracking for you. Here are some ways to help ease the transition:
- STAY ACTIVE Try to get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to help you de-stress and stay strong
- GET SOCIAL Make an effort to meet up with friends and family to interact and laugh
- FIND TIME FOR YOU Do things you enjoy to help you maintain your own identity
- ORDER AHEAD Consider meal planning/delivery services to free up time for other tasks
- TAKE A BREAK You work hard as a caregiver, so take time to pause, rest, and find information on respite care