Chapter 1: The Promise of This Book
THE TAKEAWAY:
A physical-exercise guide for caregivers and stroke survivors is urgently needed. This concise book discusses essential principles that need to be understood to prepare and prime a stroke survivor to succeed. As a caregiver, you need this book for three reasons:
a. To give you the confidence to know what physical rehabilitation to recommend to the stroke survivor
b. To prove that these programs should be even more successful when carried out in the stroke survivor’s own home
c. To convince the stroke survivor to commit to an initial four-week program after which further participation will occur based on the progress observed.
Because 80% of the success of any physical therapy treatment relies on the psychological approach (what they understand and how they are prepared and primed) of the stroke survivor, you as a caregiver can easily become their project manager and physical therapy assistant.
3. The stroke survivor will have their own motivations for wanting to undertake these recommended programs. However, common reasons expressed by other stroke survivors include maximizing neuroplasticity, reducing risk of reoccurrence, reducing fatigue, improving limb movement, reducing pain, and improving sensation and decision-making.
4. As a caregiver, you will have your own motivations for wanting to supervise the stroke survivor in undertaking these recommended programs. However, common reasons expressed by other stroke survivors include reducing depression, anxiety, and the pseudobulbar affect.