Other Suggestions

• Individuals who do not require a wheelchair but find it difficult to move from place to place on their own may need to use a cane, walker, or scooter, or they may feel more comfortable if handrails or grab bars are mounted to the walls of the home.

• Phones should be easily accessible for the stroke survivor in every room of the house. A cordless phone or a wearable call button may be necessary and would prevent tripping on a phone cord. Emergency phone numbers should be posted in a highly visible area.

• A large button phone is easier to read and use for patients with limited movement or vision problems. High contrast such as dark on light or light on dark also helps people with vision problems to read the numbers and words on phones. A picture phone reduces the need to remember phone numbers or to press several buttons to make a call. The phone can be programmed to fit a person’s individual needs. A symbol, drawing, or photograph corresponds to emergency numbers and numbers of family or friends.

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly. Have a well-thought-out and posted fire escape plan.

• If a person is likely to wander, home security may need to be increased or updated.

• To keep up with filling out necessary forms, using computerized programs, specialized filing systems, or human assistance can help to alleviate the stress associated with overwhelming paper work. Automatic monthly payments, web, phone, or mail payments, may ease the paying of bills. Enlarged checks and registers and writing guides are available for people who have trouble seeing or writing.

• It is important that trash be removed regularly and that flammable materials (including paper) be away from electrical outlets and cooking areas.

• Poor lighting poses a safety hazard and should be avoided, especially over stairwells. This can be avoided by increasing natural lighting, adding additional lamps, or changing the type of lighting. Replace light bulbs regularly.

• Especially in a large home, it may be helpful to increase the number of available chairs or places to sit, especially for stroke survivors with decreased energy and endurance.