Stroke Recovery at Home: What Families Should Know in the First 3 Months

When someone in the family has a stroke, everyone wants to help, but well-meant help can sometimes slow recovery. These are the things that matter most at home.

1. Position the weak side carefully

• Lying on the weak side is good: it gives the brain feedback. Keep the weak shoulder slightly forward, never squashed under the body.
• When lying on the back, place a small pillow under the weak shoulder and hip.
• Change position every two hours if the patient cannot move alone.

2. Never pull the weak arm

Lifting the patient by the weak arm is one of the most common causes of painful shoulder after a stroke. Lift from under the shoulder blade and hip, or ask the physiotherapist to teach a safe transfer.

3. Let them do it (slowly)

It is faster to feed, dress and wash the patient yourself. But each time they try, even slowly, the brain relearns. Give time, give support, and avoid doing everything for them.

4. Practice little and often

Five to ten minutes of practice several times a day beats one long session. Examples:

• Reaching for a steel tumbler on the table with the weak hand
• Rolling to the side and sitting up at the edge of the cot
• Standing up from a chair with weight on both legs

5. Watch for warning signs

Call the doctor immediately for a new weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, chest pain or fits.

How physiotherapy helps

Physiotherapy works on balance, walking, hand function, stiffness and shoulder protection, and teaches the family what to do between visits. Recovery continues for months, so consistency matters more than intensity.