Whether you're a stroke survivor or a caregiver, the road to recovery after a stroke demands resilience, patience, and determination. Navigating the challenges of continued care will take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. However, proper support and strategies can help you and your loved ones make significant strides toward a better quality of life.

What to Expect in Stroke Recovery

A stroke occurs when there’s a sudden blockage   in the blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). It is the country's third leading cause of death, according to a 2023 preliminary report by the Philippine Statistics Authority. However, with the support of a medically guided rehabilitation plan, many Filipinos can regain their independence and live life to the fullest after a stroke.

Stroke survivors may deal with numerous temporary or long-term complications, like paralysis, difficulty speaking, or memory loss. The length and type of recovery will vary from person to person. Depending on the stroke's effects on the brain and body, a recovery program may include:

• Physical rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy to re-start daily life activities
• Speech and language therapy to manage communication and swallowing difficulties
• Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory and problem-solving skills

Caregiving Priorities After a Stroke

When someone you love suffers a stroke, medical professionals take the lead on the rehabilitation plan. However, as a caregiver, it's up to you to manage therapy support and make the necessary changes for your loved one's life. Here are three things to keep in mind with life after stroke at home.

Focus on balanced nutrition

Eating healthy food can help manage or reduce the risk factors associated with stroke recurrence, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Survivors of stroke need a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit salt and sugar and avoid saturated fats and alcohol in meals. A nutritionist can provide tailor-made guidelines for healthy eating after a stroke.

Establish exercise routines

Stroke often results in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Exercise helps your loved one regain lost abilities, such as walking without falling or bathing themselves. It also helps improve cardiovascular health, decreasing the likelihood of a stroke happening again. Your primary physician may refer you and your loved one to a physical therapist (PT), who can prescribe rehab exercises to help restore muscle strength, movement, and balance.

Acknowledge a loved one's emotional challenges

The inability to perform daily activities like eating or bathing causes emotional ups and downs, especially in the early months post stroke. Take time to acknowledge a loved one's feelings and encourage them to express these emotions. They can talk to you or a trusted friend, start journaling, or seek professional counselling.

As a caregiver, you will also need emotional support. Cultivate a network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals who can offer comfort and strength during challenging times.

Financial Impact of a Stroke

Starting in 2023, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will offer a benefits package of ₱76,000 to Filipinos with ischemic stroke and ₱80,000 to those with hemorrhagic stroke. However, the standard stroke treatment can cost up to ₱1.8 million, and this does not include rehabilitation costs after leaving the hospital.

A study on stroke care in the Philippines suggests medical fees, therapies, and other expenses can start at ₱3,000 for each rehabilitation session. Severe effects of stroke may even push care costs to six figures.

Insurance can protect your family's financial health, especially when out-of-pocket costs become overwhelming. It's crucial to check with your insurance provider to see what kind of medical and rehabilitation coverage is available in the event of a stroke. For instance, AIA Critical Protect 100 covers up to 100 major and minor critical illnesses, including stroke, heart attack, cancer, and Alzheimer's Disease. It also has an optional benefit to receive annual payouts worth 10% of their five-year coverage to assist with the extensive medical care required for recovery.

Leaving the hospital after a stroke marks the beginning of intensive—and costly—rehabilitation. But you can manage the financial impact by adopting a long-term perspective. Identify and understand the risk factors in your family. Take proactive measures with preventive care. And always prepare for the unexpected with financial planning to pave the way for a healthy and stable future.

References

2022 Causes of Deaths in the Philippines (Preliminary as of 28 February 2023) | Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of the Philippines. (2023, May 16). https://psa.gov.ph/content/2022-causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-28-february-2023

Collantes, M. V., Zuñiga, Y. H., Granada, C. N., Uezono, D. R., Castillo, L. C., Enriquez, C. a. G., Ignacio, K. D., Ignacio, S. D., & Jamora, R. D. G. (2021). Current state of stroke care in the Philippines. Frontiers in Neurology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.665086

15 things caregivers should know after a loved one has had a stroke. (2023, November 21). www.stroke.org. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/for-family-caregivers/15-things-caregivers-should-know-after-a-loved-one-has-had-a-stroke