EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

I'm not sure where to start.

On the 19th of April this year my mother-in-law had a massive ischemic stroke that has affected her left side. She was extremely lucky that her gardener was at her house at the time and within 3 hours had the clot retrieval procedure and was on a ward at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Here is where our "ride" begins. She was transferred back to Sunshine hospital where she stayed in the stroke ward for about 6 weeks. Whilst there and as a result of her head scan they found that lymph node were abnormal. From there she has been diagnosed with lung cancer which was probably the actual cause of the stroke in the first place.

She is now in the GEM care unit of the Sunshine hospital and the care and rehab she has been receiving is fantastic but, she is running out of time there. She is unable to stand, dress, walk, shower, toilet without the assistance of 2 people and crazy amount of equipment. She has some cognitive issues that aren't helping the process.

We really want to care for her at home. This is going to mean major upheaval in our life. My husband and I will have to give up working. We will have to move in with her and we will also have to pick up some sort of skills as to how to go about the daily hygiene tasks of her life.

I am hoping that someone else out there has experienced the same or a similar issue. Is there something we/she can be doing to regain strength in her torso and leg so that she can stand and sit up?

Are we beaten? Is there hope? I am in full support of my husband and his mum but I am beginning to feel as though we are fighting against the odds.

Hi Liz,

First of all I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law having a stroke and now being diagnosed with cancer. It must be so tough what you're all going through right now. Your situation is a complex one and would be better addressed over the phone if you're happy to call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Caring for your mother-in-law at home may be possible with a coordinated discharge plan from Sunshine Hospital. You need to speak with the team about the services that would be available via Post Acute Care and Aged Care Services. The Social Worker would be your best resource for anything to do with support services. You may be able to work out a timetable with support services so that both of you don't have to cease work altogether.

There is some funding available for equipment longer term via SWEP, however there can be a wait list so the hospital would help you set up equipment required for a safe discharge. The Occupational Therapist would need to come out and assess the discharge destination to ensure there is enough space and it is appropriate. They would then help set up the equipment required. The hospital usually provide tips and training so you can help with the care at home. Transition Care at home may also be another option to ask the Social Worker about.

In terms of recovery, everyone's journey is so unique. In terms of progress, usually you start with achieving sitting balance first then work towards standing, transfers and then walking. The focus I imagine would be on getting enough trunk/torso control to sit unsupported before the rehab team would consider standing or walking. It is best to talk to the physios about what they are doing to work on this and how she is going. You may even be able to sit in on a session if you haven't already.

Please do call so we can discuss your specific situation in more detail and I can be of more assistance.

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine - 1800 787 653)

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