From listening to caregivers of stroke survivors over the last 32 years I now realise that caregivers lack the confidence and direction to run a successful physical stroke recovery programme at home. This was the purpose of writing 'Lights, Mirrors, Action. To give caregivers confidence and a roadmap to an initial 4 week programme of physical exercise therapies that can be undertaken at home.
What concepts improve the potential for 'Neuroplasticity' to occur after stroke is discussed. It is important that a caregiver sets goals with your stroke survivor, discusses the 10,000 hours of meaningful practice principle, realises the 'Patient Model for Success' suggested by Dr Monaghan and understands that the sequencing of physical rehabilitation exercises is hugely significant towards receiving success.
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.