Caregiver Tips

Learn about stroke and its effects

Knowledge is one of your most powerful tools.
Understanding how a stroke can impact the brain and body—physically, emotionally, and cognitively—will help you provide more informed care. Talk to your loved one’s care team. Read stroke education materials. Ask questions. The more you learn, the more confident and equipped you'll feel.

Be patient and compassionate

Stroke recovery is hard—for the survivor and for you.
Mood swings, frustration, sadness, or confusion are common as your loved one adjusts to the changes in their body and mind. Give them space to feel what they feel. Respond with empathy, even when it’s hard. Your calm, kind presence matters more than you know.

Communicate in ways that work

Many stroke survivors experience aphasia or other communication challenges.
Speak clearly and slowly. Use simple language. Give them time to process and respond. Visual aids, gestures, or writing tools can also help bridge the gap. What matters most is creating a safe space for connection—no matter how it looks.

Support their independence

Let them do what they can—even if it takes longer.
Losing independence can be one of the hardest parts of stroke recovery. Encourage your loved one to take the lead when possible, even if the task is small. Be there as backup, but don’t take over. Empowerment is a form of care.

Create a daily routine

Structure brings comfort.
Setting a consistent schedule—meals, medications, exercises, therapies, downtime—can help reduce anxiety and promote recovery. Predictability helps stroke survivors feel safe and supported.

Take care of yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Caregiving can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. You need sleep, movement, healthy food, and time for yourself. Whether it’s 10 minutes with a book or a walk around the block, make your wellbeing a priority—it’s not optional.

Stay organized

Caregiving often includes managing appointments, medications, insurance, and rehab schedules.
Use a calendar, notebook, or caregiving app to track everything in one place. Delegate tasks when you can. Organization reduces stress and gives you more space to focus on the person, not just the process.

Celebrate small victories

Recovery takes time—and it doesn’t always follow a straight line.
There will be setbacks, but also moments of hope and progress. Maybe it’s the first time your loved one says a full sentence, or moves their fingers, or smiles after a tough day. Celebrate those moments. They are milestones.

You’re not alone

Being a caregiver is one of the hardest roles you’ll ever take on—but it’s also one of the most meaningful.

Ask for help when you need it.
Take breaks when you can.
Remind yourself often: you’re doing your best.

With the right support, knowledge, and self-care, you can help your loved one live a life full of meaning, connection, and possibility after stroke.