Chapter 9: A Win is a Win

THE TAKEAWAY

1.       To survive as a caregiver, you must be “selfish” and remember to “put your own mask on first.” Take care of your own health, stop feeling guilty for not knowing all the answers, and always ask for help from friends and family, which will prevent you from feeling isolated. Use this book as an instruction manual to help you.

2.       Your stroke survivor will increase brain-strengthening testosterone when small progress is recognized. Noting progress will also increase their motivation to keep doing the therapy. You must prove that this progress is happening—simple measurements will achieve this.

3.       Because balance is a complex function and requires coordination of the legs, feet, and core, it is an important activity to measure regularly. It can be measured sitting or standing.

4.       Because walking is so important for the brain and one’s overall health, it’s important to measure daily and weekly step counts. The goal for every adult is to walk 150 minutes per week; however, any regular weekly increase in steps is a sign of progress.

5.       Because it is so difficult to recognize small increases in arm movement, it is important to have some simple measures. Making video recordings of walking and arm movements on a weekly basis will provide golden nuggets of evidence in the long term that a change is occurring and will be worth the effort.