Home Care Assistance

Stroke Care: Support Through the Recovery Phase

In-home services can help ensure a successful recovery at home to maximise long-term independence.

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Recovery at home

A stroke can be an extremely challenging medical event to cope with and recover from; patients must simultaneously overcome physical, cognitive and emotional challenges and many stroke survivors report frustrations with the recovery process. In-home services can help ensure a successful recovery at home to maximise long-term independence.

In a recent survey of over 1000 stroke survivors over 40% felt either somewhat, or not very successful in meeting their rehabilitation goals and 38% felt they lacked information relevant to their recovery. We want these alarming statistics to change for the better.

Our Carers can provide essential assistance with things like:

Driving and errands
Meal preparation and nutrition support
Mobility assistance
Personal assistance, including hygiene and dressing
Medication reminders
Companionship and activities
Emotional support for individuals and families

How to optimise the recovery phase post stroke

Understand limitations

We all value our independence and many of us are accustomed to an active lifestyle. However, anyone recovering from a stroke must understand that the recovery process cannot be rushed. The brain is gradually rebuilding damaged synapses, which can cause mental fogginess or a sense of mild confusion. The body is trying to recover and activities that were once routine, such as walking or hand movement, may present new physical challenges. Receiving support from a Carer or a loved one during this time can help to support both physical needs as well as improve cognitive function e.g. using memory exercises.

Blood test follow-up

Because strokes are caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain, anticoagulants may be prescribed to facilitate recovery. The dosage is adjusted based on blood flow, so regular blood testing is critical to ensure a safe and accurate dosage.

Ongoing appointments and follow up

Even after the transition home, it is likely that regular appointments with doctors and specialists will be needed following a significant event like a stroke. Typically, post-stroke patients visit a neurologist at least once every six weeks early in the recovery. However, over half of stroke survivors fail to comply with recommended follow-up visits and do not see any specialists during their recovery.

Adapting the home to current needs

Depending on the severity of the stroke, additional medical equipment may be needed for a time such as a walker, a wheelchair or a hospital bed in the home. In addition, the home may require safety modifications. Doctors will usually advise on any additional equipment needs, and we can help to support your use of these, ensuring safety and comfort at home.

Incremental Steps

Doing too much too soon can be a risk to the recovery process, however basic tasks should be attempted to an individual’s own comfort levels. These efforts will facilitate physical recovery and small accomplishments can provide a big mental boost, helping to motivate toward the long-term goals. Incremental steps with daily activities, using the support from family and Carers will add up to long term success.

Proper nutrition

It is usual to limit the intake of fat, cholesterol and sodium post stroke in order to prevent unnecessary stress on the body. It may be tempting to indulge in comfort foods at this time, but a balanced diet is essential to a healthy recovery. It is also important to maintain a regular meal schedule. Proper nutrition and controlled calorie intake give the body the energy it needs to heal.

Maintain the rehabilitation schedule

Though each individuals’ rehabilitation plan (physical, occupational or speech) may vary, it is important to start as soon as possible and remain consistent with appointments and recommended exercises. Initially, sessions may be trying, and it is important to maintain focus on long-term goals. Numerous professionals play a part in post stroke rehabilitation, such as Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech therapists and alike. They are the experienced guides in the critical weeks following a stroke.

Paying for In-Home Care

Our focus is on creating close, trusted relationships with families and designing personalised plans that evolve to meet the needs of each individual over time. Paying for personalised care can be more affordable than you think!

Personal care and assistance can be covered under government programmes such as Home Care Packages & NDIS. Please note, there may be a gap and small contribution to pay, as the Australian Government may not fund the full cost of the program.

The most helpful, caring, supportive and flexible team of people to assist with our elderly loved ones.I am so grateful for all you had done for my Mum.... ❤️❤️❤️read more

I can't thank the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast enough for their help with my Dad. David led us through the Home Care Package details with honesty and integrity, and they were able to... organise a lawn mowing service as well as a carer to visit Dad.My only regret is that we didn't get to spend more time with the team as Dad has now moved into an Aged Care Facility. Thank you again.read more

The carers who looked after my elderly mother were without exception highly motivated, caring and compassionate. Not only was Mum looked after supremely well, she was provided with wonderful... companionship, a level of independence that would have been impossible without the help of her special carers, and a lot of fun. It is difficult to put into words how much this meant to her entire family! Keep up the good work.read more

So blessed. Such a wonderful team to take care of me, keeping my life simple and enabling the very best I could wish for. Thank you, Meg and Dave!

In sporting circles these days there is an expression used to describe why athletes and teams are supreme champions, it is “they do the one-percenters”. To me this is what separates HCA from the... other providers I have experienced; they are always cheery when you telephone, they respond with some alacrity to an email, incredibly flexible re scheduling and most importantly from the very first visit by a staff member you are made to feel part of their family.read more

Our family appointed HCA to assist with care for our father. It turned out to be an excellent appointment.The management and staff were excellent and the carers were outstanding.We highly recommend... HCA to any prospective applicants.We would be happy to field direct enquires about the service. HCA have our detailsread more

I looked long and thoroughly before I selected a care provider for my husband who has dementia. Being with Home Care Assistance for almost a year, has confirmed all my expectations. And more.As a... carer I feel very supported by David and Meg. They are always available by phone or email, and this means a lot. But perhaps the best quality of their organisation is the high calibre and personalised choice of all the care givers they have provided for us - whether it be someone to spend time with my husband or someone to slash our overgrown yard.I have no hesitation in recommending Home Care Assistance - and, indeed, have already done so.Pamela Payneread more

We have the highest praise for HCA as an organisation, and deep gratitude and respect for the people involved - all the way from Dave & Meg at the top right through office staff and on to the... wonderful warm carers who have meant so much to our mother over the last three years. From our experience HCA offers a service far beyond the general expectations of the aged care sector, and we have no hesitation recommending them. Thank you HCA, for all that you've done for Mum - and for us by extension.read more

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I switched my Father’s Homecare package from a large provider to HCA and I’m so glad I did. From the very first contact I was struck by the degree of professionalism, expertise and friendliness from... all I came in contact with. The high standard of care and calibre of the care staff was evident from the beginning and carried right through. Communication was always responsive and timely and nothing was too much trouble. The values of the company and management team have filtered right through to the staff and you feel you are in the company of family who really care, which is very comforting. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of HCA for exemplary care of the elderly in their home.read more

Our family has benefited from the excellent support and services from David, Meg and the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast for the past couple of years. I had an extensive list of questions... when we were deciding which provider to go with. David answered promptly, and impressed me with his empathy, accessibility (available after hours, weekends), and ability to tailor a package to meet our particular needs. Add to that the best value for package dollars, and it was an easy decision to go with HCA North Coast.The staff employed by HCA North Coast have been excellent. David was able to source staff who were a good match for my Dad’s personality. As our needs evolved, it was easy to change any aspect of the care provided.I am very happy to recommend Home Care Assistance North Coast, for anyone looking for quality care for their loved one.read more

Dave and the team go above and beyond to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care

The whole team at Home Care Assist are amazing. I can't begin to tell you how much help Geoff Doherty was to me when I was trying to navigate the Aged Care process. The Coffs Harbour team led by... Rachael, who is a wonderful caring and helpful manager, is an absolute gem. My every need is taken into consideration and the staff employed to do the actual caring/cleaning are second to none. Nothing is too much trouble. I need Physio and Hydrotherapy services and Emily, who is also a absolute gem always pays the providers promptly and they are very grateful for that. I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking for Caring, Compassionate, timely and reliable care.read more

David and his team have been outstanding in the help they have offered my father. i would highly recommend them to anyone. First class job!

Home Care Assistance

Stroke Care: Support Through the Recovery Phase

Recovery at home