Limited Resources
Entry posted by Strokewife
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The second anniversary of my husband’s first stroke and the day I became a caregiver recently transpired. Upon this anniversary day my stroke survivor began aquatic therapy. This is something he wanted to do for sometime but being wrapped up in a medical system that dictates the where, when, and why we had to wait. Thus, good things do come to those that wait.
My husband’s ability to do things on his own is still very limited. I, at this two-year mark, still assist my husband with most tasks such as dressing, transferring, hygiene and food preparation. Certainly, he puts forth an effort to try and do things himself, but most times will need assistance or accept I will do it for him. Often, I have to encourage him to try something himself. Frankly, his mind can not always rationalize doing these things on his own.
So, as I assisted my husband into a lift chair that would lower him into the water I held apprehension. The therapist standing over six feet tall took my husband out of the chair and starting him walking backwards. Back he went, then forward and then side stepping. They had him kick his knees, move his arms, step up and down on steps, and hold himself in place. Over and over they assisted him to perform…Perhaps cognitively this moved a bit too fast for my husband yet he did it. Don’t get me wrong the therapist was holding onto him the whole time but my husband was moving his left arm and leg on his own as if it was not a problem. I am pretty sure my mouth was gapping open in amazement.
As we exited the pool and moved to the handicap restroom we entered into what I will just say was a “God send.” This designated family washroom had a shower with a bench and bars for the handicap. The same was in the toilet stall along with an additional dressing bench equipped to assist the disabled. I was able to help my husband with showering in an environment that was clean, private and spacious. I suppose it may sound silly, but our “make-shift” bathing arrangements we have at home has made bath time a tedious task for me. Yet, on this day a beautiful gift was presented to us.
With all this “gifts from heaven” that I felt was laid before us it reminded me of the limited resources that stroke survivors are given. Specifically in my husband’s case he is young…not yet a senior…so the resources we have for adult day care are few and far between. I am not saying they do not exist but in the area we live it just isn’t plentiful. It makes me ask “Why?” We have several hospitals that are STROKE trauma centers in our area. Which would imply knowledge of brain injury therapy and means for unlimited resources. Yet, as my husband and I went through a system of therapy for a stroke “victim” I became aware of just how limited resources are for those who become young stroke survivors.
Our journey was very rough and I know there were things that could have been much easier than they were. That is all water under the bridge…More so, I can say, my dear readers, I have been made aware. I want to pursue the idea of a spa setting that caters to the handicap where one can go and soak in a bath with out fear of drowning or even just getting in and out of a tub. Perhaps, finding a place for individual who need daily assistance but want to socialize and feel normal. I feel compelled to research this idea. My husband is a stroke survivor…I am his caregiver, but this journey has led me too more than taking care of him. Therefore, I simply pose the discussion to my readers regarding limited resources for stroke survivors and what you have experienced or done in your area.
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