Post-stroke care in your home

If your family member can't return to her former living situation after a stroke, the decision you'll face is whether to care for her in your own home or find a long-term care facility. If you think you can care for her yourself, you may want to look into some type of part-time help:

• In-home help. Part-time home care costs more as the level of care increases. A home care aide is the least expensive and can help with household tasks like cleaning and laundry. A home health aide can also help with bathing and grooming; oversee medications; check pulse, temperature, and blood pressure; and help with simple exercises. A nurse provides more medical care but is considerably more costly.

• Adult daycare and respite services. This option might enable you to keep working outside the home or simply give you a much-needed break from caregiving. Adult daycare centers usually offer special activities, such as exercise programs, arts and crafts, and music. Some adult daycare also offers occupational, speech, and physical therapy.