Seat Adjustments for Stroke Survivors Aging in Place

 

After experiencing a stroke, many survivors would prefer to continue living at home, preserving their independence as much as possible.  Preparing your home after a stroke poses some challenges, and the modifications you make depend on your individual situation, including the extent and nature of any impairments you have, and your long-term prognosis.  Sometimes, your needs won't be fully clear until you take up your daily routines and notice that some tasks have become more difficult.  In addition to careful planning at the outset, you'll have to be flexible about any unexpected adjustments you'll need to make.

 

If aging in place is your preferred course of action following a stroke, one of the issues you'll need to consider is how you'll sit, whether in the bathroom or in your den during a quiet leisurely afternoon.  Ideally, you'll be combining the comforts of your home with medically approved seating adjustments that are best suited for your body.

 

 

Regular bathroom routines are among the most challenging after a stroke.  A bathroom that hasn't been properly modified can even be dangerous, as you can easily slip or lose your balance.

 

When it comes to using the toilet, your current arrangement may not give you sufficient support, making it difficult for you to sit down or get up off the chair.  A common and effective solution is to use an elevated toilet seat.  You can adjust a high-quality toilet seat lift to the right height, and balance yourself better with the use of its grip bars.  Especially if you've suffered from some paralysis to the limbs, or are still undergoing physical therapy, having a seat like this will make going to the bathroom much less of a chore.

 

For bathtubs, you can also get medically approved seats that make bathing much less hazardous. You won't have to worry about losing your footing and injuring yourself.  Additionally, if you're in a wheelchair or want to make it easier to step in and out of the bathtub, you can convert to a walk-in bathtub.

 

 

With a lift recliner, you'll have a much easier time sitting down on the chair and standing again, a quality that's especially helpful for people whose muscle coordination and balance have been affected by stroke.  If it's easier for you to get out of the chair, you'll have more motivation to stand up and walk and get other forms of physical activity that your doctor has OK'ed as appropriate for you. 

 

A state-of-the-art lift recliner will also allow you to assume a wide range of positions when sitting or reclining, so that if you're feeling some discomfort you can shift with minimal effort to a position that's better for you.  What's also attractive about these chairs is that they fit well with general home decor.

 

Adjusting to life after stroke can be challenging.  Fortunately, there are reliable ways to improve convenience and comfort, so that you can keep as much of your independence as possible.  Living at home is easier if you have the right furniture to support you.