What kind of equipment might make our lives easier?

Depending on the extent of your parent's disability, you may want to look into special equipment to help him with his daily activities. Your parent may need a wheelchair or walker, a special mattress, or braces to support his affected side. The doctors and nurses will work with you to find the right equipment; you can purchase or rent most of it from medical supply companies.

What kind of dietary restrictions should we follow?

It's likely your parent will need to make changes to his diet, but the thought of implementing those changes may daunt you. The doctors and nurses can help you figure out the best diet for your parent. Ask what foods are good for general cardiovascular health, what foods he should limit, and how to control portion size. If you need more assistance, ask for a referral to a nutritionist who specializes in helping stroke survivors.

What type of exercise program should my parent follow?

Regular exercise can help your parent feel more energetic, lose weight, lower his blood pressure, and reduce his cholesterol level. But depending on the extent of your parent's disability, you may need an expert to design an appropriate exercise program. Ask for a referral to an exercise therapist who specializes in stroke rehabilitation.

What medications will my parent need to take -- and what are the likely side effects?

The doctor has probably prescribed a bewildering array of different medications to your parent. Make sure you understand each medication and its potential side effects. For each medication, ask:

• What does it do?

• How often should my parent take it?

• If he misses a dose, should he take it late or skip it?

• Should he take it before, during, or after a meal?

• Is there anything my parent should not take, eat, or drink with this medication?

• What side effects might we expect?

• Will my parent need any follow-up tests to make sure the medication is working?

What kinds of follow-up appointments will my parent need?

Ask what doctors he'll need to see and whether your insurance will cover those appointments.