Personal care in the context of at-home stroke care encompasses a range of services designed to support individuals recovering from a stroke in their daily living activities. This type of care is crucial as it addresses the basic needs of stroke survivors, who may face challenges with mobility, coordination, and other physical functions as a result of their condition. Personal care services typically include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, helping individuals maintain their hygiene and personal dignity during recovery.

The goal of companion care is not only to provide companionship but also to enhance the overall well-being of stroke survivors by encouraging a positive and engaging environment. This can include help with light household tasks, preparing meals, and reminding individuals to take their medications, contributing to a safe and healthy living space. Companion aides engage with individuals in meaningful conversations, participate in recreational activities, and accompany them to social events or medical appointments, ensuring they remain active and connected to their community.

After a stroke, individuals often face challenges with movement, balance, and coordination due to the impact on their brain's ability to communicate with the rest of the body. Physiotherapy addresses these issues through a tailored program of exercises and therapies designed to rebuild strength, enhance mobility, and restore as much independence as possible. The primary goal of physiotherapy in stroke care is to help patients relearn lost skills and find new ways of performing tasks to compensate for any residual disabilities. This might include retraining muscles to improve walking ability, exercises to regain control of hand and arm movements, and techniques to manage balance and prevent falls.

The scope of medical assistance can include regular monitoring of vital signs, medication management to prevent secondary conditions such as blood clots or stroke recurrence, and wound care for those with mobility issues. It also involves coordination with healthcare professionals to implement and adjust treatment plans based on the survivor's progress, including adjustments to medications and therapies as needed.

Dementia care after a stroke focuses on addressing the cognitive and emotional challenges that can arise when an individual experiences both a stroke and dementia. Strokes can lead to vascular dementia, characterized by a decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. In cases where a stroke has exacerbated or precipitated dementia symptoms, care becomes multifaceted, aiming to support both physical recovery and cognitive health.

Respite caregivers also provide emotional support and companionship to the stroke survivor, engaging them in social activities, conversation, and recreational activities that can aid in their cognitive and emotional recovery. By providing primary caregivers with the opportunity to take a break, respite care helps prevent caregiver burnout, ensuring that they can continue to provide effective support over the long term. Respite caregivers can offer fresh insights into the stroke survivor's condition and progress. They may identify areas where adjustments to care plans are needed or suggest new strategies to overcome challenges.