New Jersey --  Coping with the effects of a stroke can be overwhelming for everyone involved.  Many stroke survivors, and their loved ones, are faced with the reality that they must change the way they live to accommodate skills lost as a result of the illness.

“Changes in judgment, emotions, vision, and perception are common occurrences after a stroke,” explains Patricia Toglia, RN, Vice President of the Saint Barnabas Home Health Care Agencies, which offer a comprehensive Stroke Recovery Program designed to maximize patient confidence and independence.  “Patients may also experience decreased attention span, depression, memory problems and or communication deficits.”

The Agencies offer caregivers the following home safety tips to assist loved one’s in avoiding preventable accidents after a stroke.

• Remove throw rugs and/or tack down carpet edges
• Avoid highly polished floors
• Keep hallways and walkways free of wires and clutter
• Use nightlights
• Investigate home care options with your loved one’s physician
• Illuminate the top and bottom of staircases
• Extend handrails to the full length of stairs
• Wear non-slip shoes or slippers at all times
• List emergency numbers near the telephone
• Maintain smoke detectors
• Notify the local Fire and Police Departments of your own or a loved one’s disability
• Consider an emergency response device
• Keep the telephone within reach

For more information about the Home Care Stroke Recovery Program, please call JerseyCare Home Health at
973-243-9666 (northern NJ) or Community Medical Center Home Health (southern NJ) at 732-818-6800 or visit www.homehealthnj.com.