Asking for Help

The reconstruction of a family after stroke is hard on everyone involved, especially those family members who have direct contact with the stroke survivor on a day-to-day basis. These caregivers are usually the ones who go to work, clean the house, cook, and struggle to do all this while dealing with a family member who has changed in ways that are not always understandable. These are the people who are always there to help, but will never ask for help themselves. No one will blame if you can't do it alone.

Keep the door open
African-Americans are very resistant, at times, to asking for and receiving help. There are many reasons for this resistance, but no reason is good enough to resist help if it is needed. Asking or inviting family and friends to be involved in the stroke survivor’s welfare is a start. This allows for more interactions among family and friends, which makes us closer as a community and family. It will also allow for the day-to-day caregiver to get a break. Everyone needs time to his or herself to run errands, keep appointments or just relax. The more people that can be brought in to help with the care of the stroke survivor, the more time will be available for the day-to-day caregivers to take care of themselves.

Keep your faith
Many cultures have always believed in a higher power in this world. African-Americans are no exception to this. It is this belief that drives us to go on even when we feel like we cannot. It is during the recovery period that our faith must remain strong. Things happen to people that we simply do not understand, but the belief in our faith allows us, as African-Americans, to go on. We do not give up on our loved ones, family, friends, or ourselves because a disease or disability has stricken a part of us. Instead we pull together as a family in faith to support, guide, and care for each other.