Caring for Yourself and a Stroke Survivor

A stroke in the family can cause many shifts, whether it is relationship dynamics, finances, home modifications or role changes. As a spouse, sibling, child, grandchild or friend, you may be charged with providing daily assistance and support, plus planning and facilitating your loved one’s care. Because stroke is sudden and unexpected there is often little or no time to prepare. Caregiving is a difficult job that takes a physical, mental and emotional toll.

National Stroke Association developed the Careliving Guide to assist you and your family members throughout the caregiving process.
The guide will help you:

Prioritize tasks and develop a plan for the stroke survivor’s care.
Keep organized with resources, tools, templates and suggestions.
Adapt to changing roles and relationships after stroke.
Prevent recurrent stroke.

Careliving Guide Use this chapter list to go directly to a chapter of interest, or download the full guide at the right.		Full printable version
Introduction	Chapter 5: Creating Your Care Binder
Chapter 1: Where to Begin	Chapter 6: Managing Recovery
Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Care Team	Chapter 7: Adjusting the Routine
Chapter 3: Rehabilitation	Chapter 8: Preventing Recurrent Stroke
Chapter 4: After the Hospital	Appendices

Additional Resources for Caregivers
Join Careliving Community —an online social network exclusively for caregivers and family members of stroke survivors.	*iHOPE: Creating a Caregiving Support System* is a webinar about the role of caregivers, accessing respite care, what to do if family and friends aren’t helping and much more.	Learn about what it means to be a stroke caregiver, prevent recurrent stroke and manage the post-stroke caregiving. » Download this brochure.