Protect Floors and Carpets From Food Spills

Mealtimes can be frustrating for both stroke survivors and their caregivers. If your parent's hand or arm is numb or paralyzed, it may be very difficult for him to feed himself. Add difficulty swallowing, and you have the potential for a lot of mealtime mess. Make cleanup easier by investing in a large plastic mat to place under your parent's chair. After meals, you can take the mat outside and shake it out -- or even hose it off, if necessary. Look for a "splat mat" at shops specializing in baby items, or buy a desk-chair floor pad from an office supply store.