Stroke affects each person in different ways. Stroke may change your roles, family balance and dynamics. Adjusting to these changes will take time. Recovery is about getting back to meaningful activities and living as independently as possible within your abilities. Working with your family and health care team to manage the changes in roles, relationships, and activities can help you to enjoy life to its fullest.
Each person plays many roles in life. Your roles may include being a:
- spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent or friend
- student, volunteer, employee or employer
After a stroke, it is normal to question whether you will be able to fulfill these roles again. You may wonder if you will be able to take part in your usual activities and support your family as you did before.
The stroke will also have an impact on your family. As your role changes, the roles of family members may need to change too. With time, your daily routines and life roles will adjust to suit your strengths and abilities.
“I have the drive and the motivation to go back to the way my life use to be. It may frustrate me because of the fact that it may not happen right away but I have the drive, let’s say a year from now to be driving, to be moving around like normal, be back to do my own lawn care, be back to do my own stuff at home.”
Mr. J, age 65
If you are having difficulty adjusting, it can help to talk to:
- your health care providers
- other people living with stroke and their families
- a therapist
Click on any of the sections below to learn more about areas that may be important to you for getting back into life.
