Experiencing a stroke can significantly impact your life. When people think about occupational therapy (OT) after a stroke, they might imagine learning exercises to regain movement or help with everyday tasks like dressing or cooking. While these are important aspects of stroke recovery, there are also many other ways an OT can support you – some of which might surprise you!
Here are six lesser-known ways an OT can help you or your loved ones after a stroke:
1. Teaching You Strategies to Manage Fatigue
Fatigue is a common but sometimes overlooked side effect of a stroke. Occupational therapists can teach you strategies to conserve energy so that you can do more of the activities you love. They may suggest alternative ways to do certain tasks or help you break a larger task into smaller chunks.
For example:
- Sitting on a stool while cooking instead of standing.
- Using a trolley or cart to move items around the house instead of carrying them.
- Dividing tasks into short bursts – such as setting a timer for 10 minutes of laundry, then taking a break.
These small adjustments help you save energy for things that matter most—whether that’s spending time with family, enjoying hobbies, or getting out into the community.
2. Improving Your Memory and Cognition
A stroke can sometimes impact memory, focus, and problem-solving. If you find yourself forgetting appointments, struggling with multi-step tasks, or feeling mentally overloaded, an OT can help.
They may introduce:
- Practical tools like calendars, sticky notes, or smartphone reminders.
- Cognitive strategies to help with organisation, decision-making, and mental flexibility.
- Compensatory techniques to improve attention span and concentration.
By working with an OT, you can develop new ways to stay independent and engaged in everyday life.
3. Helping with Vision Changes
Vision changes after a stroke can affect balance, reading, and even awareness of one side of your body. An OT can provide practical strategies to help you adapt.
For example:
- If you experience visual neglect (difficulty noticing one side of your environment), an OT can teach visual scanning techniques to help you actively check your surroundings.
- If reading is difficult, they might suggest using larger fonts, high-contrast text, or audio-based alternatives.
- For difficulties with hand-eye coordination, they may introduce tailored exercises to improve control and perception.
These strategies can make everyday activities like walking safely, reading, and preparing meals easier and more manageable.
4. Supporting Your Return to Work
Returning to work after a stroke can feel daunting, but an OT can support you in making the transition smoother. They can:
- Assess your job demands and suggest ways to adapt your role.
- Recommend ergonomic modifications, such as adaptive keyboards or voice-to-text software.
- Help structure graded work hours to ease you back into your role.
- Provide practice sessions for workplace scenarios, such as handling meetings or navigating public transport.
- Work with your employer to ensure a supportive and inclusive return-to-work plan.
If returning to your previous job isn’t possible, OTs can also help explore alternative roles that match your skills and abilities.
5. Connecting You to Community Resources
Many people don’t realise how many community resources are available to support stroke recovery! OTs often act as the bridge between you and these services.
OTs can help connect you with:
- Local stroke support groups (such as those run by the Stroke Foundation).
- Recreational or volunteer programs designed for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.
- Government-funded services, such as My Aged Care (for over 65s) or NDIS (if under 65 and eligible).
- Specialist services, such as Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors, if returning to driving is one of your goals.
If you’d like to explore what’s available in Perth, get in touch with Optimal Living Therapy to find out how we can help!
6. Getting Back to the Things You Love
While your physical recovery is important, staying engaged in hobbies and activities you enjoy is just as essential for your mental wellbeing.
OTs can help you:
- Modify hobbies so they are still accessible. Whether that is through adaptive tools or assistive technology
- Or explore new activities that match your current abilities, ensuring you stay active and socially connected.
You might be surprised by the options available to help you keep doing the things you love!
Need Support After a Stroke? We’re Here to Help.
At Optimal Living Therapy, our team of occupational therapists are highly skilled in working with people living with neurological conditions such as stroke. Our Capacity Building and Rehabilitation services can support you or your loved one in regaining independence and improving quality of life.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, get in touch with us today at (08) 6117 4266 or visit our contact us page.
