Best Rehab Equipment for Stroke Patients
A stroke can cause short-term effects such as weakness, issues with coordination and balance to lifelong disabilities depending on the part of the brain it impacts. Globally, about 25% of people aged over 25 years can have a stroke at least once in their lifetime. Over 110 million people worldwide have already had a stroke of some form. The figures from the World Stroke Organization show that people over 50 years are more likely to experience a stroke than others, making it a health emergency that no one can ignore.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or stopped due to a ruptured artery causing bleeding in the brain. Strokes can lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disabilities, and even death. There are two main types of strokes:
Ischaemic Stroke
These occur when the blood flow to the brain is cut off or reduced due to blood clots that prevent the supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Your arteries become narrower as you age, but some factors can expedite this process and increase your chances of getting an Ischaemic stroke. Some of the factors that increase the risk of Ischaemic stroke include
Smoking
Obesity
Alcohol Abuse
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol Levels
Diabetes
Physical Inactivity
Drug Abuse
Haemorrhagic Stroke
Also known as Intracranial Haemorrhage or cerebral haemorrhage occurs due to bleeding in the brain caused by the rupture of a weakened blood vessel. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of Haemorrhagic stroke.
Factors that can cause Haemorrhagic stroke include
Trauma (such as accidents)
Stress
Excessive use of blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Aneurysms
Transient Ischaemic Attack (T.I.A) - also known as a ministroke, this reversible stroke lasts only a few minutes. Like an Ischaemic stroke, these occur when blood flow to the brain is affected by a clot or debris.
What are the problems faced by stroke patients?
A large chunk (about 80%) of stroke patients suffer from hemiparesis, or weakness on one side of the body. This affects your mobility and inhibits your ability to perform everyday activities such as showering, using the bathroom, wearing clothes, walking, maintaining balance, and socialising with friends and family.
Stroke patients also suffer from mental distress, depression, and anxiety due to limited mobility and loss of independence. They often need extensive care and rehabilitation to help them get back to a normal or near-normal life.
How can Sanrai help stroke patients?
Sanrai’s wide range of world-class mobility products focus on providing innovative solutions to ensure those recovering from a stroke can get better faster. Using assistive devices from Drive DeVilbiss, such as wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, grab handles, shower chairs, and commodes, can help them feel more independent, maintain personal hygiene, and get up and about easily.
Drive DeVilbiss specially engineers these world-class devices to meet the specific needs of those with limited mobility. Some standard Drive DeVilbiss products used by stroke patients include:
Canes: Most stroke survivors experience weakness on one side of the body. Canes can help improve the gait by moving the centre of body mass to the sound limb, thus assisting the affected limb in moving forward.
Walkers: Assistive walking devices recommended by the physical therapist, such as walkers, can help with rehabilitation. These walkers are easy to manoeuvre and adjust as per the user.
Rollators: If a stroke survivor can use both arms and legs but experiences weakness or balance issues, then a rollator would be an ideal partner to help them with mobility concerns.
Wheelchairs: The level of mobility depends on the type of stroke and its ramifications. Choosing a suitable wheelchair is crucial for the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Sanrai’s range of self-propelled or carer-propelled wheelchairs can help them get up and about easily.
Grab Handles: An often overlooked yet critical rehabilitation equipment, grab handles are easy-to-use based on the patient’s grip strength and mobility limitations. They work well in combination with shower chairs and provide added security during bathing or while using the toilet.
Shower Chairs: Standing /upright while taking a shower can be challenging during recovery, with a high risk of slipping or falling. A shower chair allows you to sit comfortably while taking a shower, ensuring that you can easily maintain personal hygiene.
Scooters: Stroke survivors find it difficult to move around or walk. Scooters allow patients to improve their mobility and independence and helps them to stay in touch with friends and family.
Raised Toilet Seats: A raised toilet seat allow you to sit and get up easily and ensures safe transfer to and from the toilet.
Commode-Wheelchairs: Toilet accessibility is a significant concern during rehabilitation. A commode wheelchair with rigid and adjustable supports can benefit stroke patients with severe symptoms and limited mobility.
Final Thoughts
A stroke can cause a lifelong disability–but ensuring that you have the right mobility products will help you lead an independent life. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, knowing your stroke risk factors, and following your healthcare provider’s recommendations can help avoid a stroke. However, suppose you are recovering from a stroke or in rehab. In that case, choosing the right rehabilitation equipment is crucial to ensure faster recovery and leading a happy and independent life.
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