Helping someone who has perception changes after a stroke
If a person has perception problems after a stroke, the stroke rehab team can teach you how to help. Here are some examples.
- Help prevent a fall.
- Cut down on clutter.
- Make sure that rooms are well lit.
- Install night lights in the bedroom and bathroom.
- Avoid rapid movements around the person.
Other people moving around in the room also may be distracting.
- Mark lines on door frames or full-length mirrors.
This can help the person see what is vertical.
- Do not overestimate the person's abilities.
Watch to see what can be done safely rather than taking the person's word for it.
- Help the person do a task.
- Tell the person how to do things if they have trouble remembering how to do a task.
- Put your hands in your pockets to keep yourself from gesturing as you talk the person through the steps.
- It may also be good to have the person talk through the task.
- Give lots of praise.
- Break tasks into small steps.
- Encourage the person to slow down and check each step carefully.
- Don't nag. Nagging may cause the person to become angry and upset.
- Arrange transportation.
People with perception problems-—even minor ones—should not drive a car.
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