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After a stroke

(7 Posts)
Annieeyes Mon 29-Nov-21 08:13:37

My daughter is in her last year at university and is doing a project on using a computer tablet to aid stroke recovery . Has anyone got experience of a stroke themselves or of a relative who could give some tips on what they found most useful . Thank you for any advice or info you might have

Coastpath Mon 29-Nov-21 09:06:45

My dear, bright-as-a-button aunt had a stroke in her mid 90s. She used a tablet afterwards to stay in touch with family and friends during lockdown, do puzzles and 'travel the world' by reading and looking at videos and pictures. Family members showed her the basics and then she was away, learning and exploring it on her own. She'd never used a computer before in her life.

It became her treasured possession and, when sadly earlier this year she died I found she had told my cousin that she wanted me to have the tablet. It was sent to me from Australia, where my family all live, and is now my own treasure. It meant so much to her and now to me, especially as I know it helped my aunt through some dark days.

I live in the UK and don't really have any more detailed information than this which I doubt will be much use to your daughter. I just wanted to say what a boon these devices can be for people after a stroke and to wish your daughter well with her valuable studies.

Megs36 Mon 29-Nov-21 09:45:37

Had stroke two years ago, luckily only damage was won’t drive again, but now going downhill a it BUT I-am 85 so old age ! Quite a lot of medication now following stroke. Try to be ‘normal’ and don’t become an invalid, Iwas lucky I know.

Kate1949 Mon 29-Nov-21 09:57:16

My brother had a severe stroke (and a heart attack) a few weeks ago. Fortunately he recovering. I agree with Coastpath. My brother said he is glad he's got his ipad. As he can't drive now, he used the iPad for reading news, other articles, playing games, watching YouTube etc. He was also grateful for books.

Sapphire24 Mon 29-Nov-21 13:59:56

Matching games, finding themes in words, memory games.

MissAdventure Mon 29-Nov-21 14:07:14

A woman I worked for swore by using a "stress ball" in her bad hand after a serious stroke.
She made herself do it everyday, and as a consequence was able to almost grip with that hand, whereas it had been useless before.
It meant she could drape things over that hand, almost like a pincer, which made a huge difference to being able to dress herself, do some washing up, and to move things about.

Blossoming Mon 29-Nov-21 14:17:52

There is a wonderful charity called Different Strokes that helps survivors find peer support. They run Zoom meetings, quizzes, YouTube exercise sessions, a Facebook group, Pinterest boards and a website. All of these things are accessible using a tablet. It would be worth your daughter having a look at their website.

differentstrokes.co.uk/