There is something inherently optimistic about the term “stroke recovery.” 

First and foremost, it means your family member is on the mend and, through empathetic and attentive care, have the chance to return to a comfortable quality of life. Also, with the sure-handed medical professionals at local hospitals such as Memorial Medical and St. Johns Hospital, you can rest assured knowing optimal care has already been provided. 

And you know that with a short-term rehab facility nearby – such as The Bridge Care Suites – your loved one will have every need met during their recovery. 

There’s even better news in all of this: you can aid in the recovery process through simple efforts that improve stroke survivors’ brain functions. It’s this kind of positivity and commitment that ensures successful rehabilitation.

Read below as this blog delves into these brain exercises and how you can go about inserting them into your loved one’s recovery routine:

Bring Out the Chessboard

You don’t need to watch “Queen’s Gambit” to know that chess is a rigorous brain exercise. 

It won’t only give your loved one’s mind a workout, but also, anyone can play no matter their skill level. Even if someone struggles at chess, there’s only room for improvement. Regardless of wins or losses, playing this timeless game stimulates the brain and bolsters mental capacity. 

During chess sessions, your loved ones will continue improving their ability to retain information. And there’s also the benefit of socialization, helping stave off depression symptoms common with recovery. 

Of course, you should always proceed with caution. Ensure that playing is comfortable, safe, and calming. You’ll have a better idea if something like chess is feasible for your loved ones by choosing The Bridge Cares Suites as a rehab care provider. The dedicated attention offered gives you expert insights that guide you through what brain exercises will aid most in recovery. 

Harness the Power of the Paintbrush

Overcoming challenges with daily tasks for those in stroke recovery involve cognitive exercises such as painting. This activity improves memory, builds communication skills, and enhances conceptual abilities. From there, your loved one’s problem-solving will return to form, and so will their confidence-levels. 

Motor skills are another beneficiary in painting as a brain exercise. The brush will give your loved one more dexterity and mobility.  

Embrace the Magic of Music Therapy

Music, in general, possesses healing properties that soothe the soul. No matter your circumstances, listening to your favorite song will bring a smile to your face.

Speaking further to the above notion is how music therapy – namely singing – plays a role in improved cognition after a stroke. The initial benefit is obvious, your elderly loved one can revisit their most cherished tunes – which already will put a smile on their face. 

But, despite the importance of a positive mood during recovery, there’s more science to music therapy. Singing works out multiple regions in the brain. The areas most damaged from the stroke will be exercised and strengthened.  

Again, singing does wonders for one’s mood. Combine that with sharpened alertness and concentration, and you have an extraordinary form of brain exercise. 

However, it goes one step further. It’s believed that singing can increase blood circulation, which will fend off a recurrent stroke. 

Explore the Wonderful World of Word Searches

The brain requires order so that everything surrounding a given person makes sense and has meaning. 

Establishing that sense of order speaks to the need for pattern recognition, something crucial to all stroke survivors. Word searches bolster this valuable mind function. And, as such, moving around after a stroke becomes more straightforward, lowering the risk of slips and falls. 

You wouldn’t think it, but the boosted pattern recognition provided by word searches is physically beneficial. For instance, your loved one will heighten their ability to determine floor patterns from objects. Therefore, they’ll move around more freely and confidently. 

Understandably, you’d be concerned about mobility and pattern recognition for your loved one. Know that by committing to these brain exercises and rehab care from skilled nurses, this challenge can be overcome—the more help and resources at your side, the more successful the recovery. 

Lean into Lumosity

Nothing quite says “improved brain function” like a game that’s expertly designed by neuroscientists. 

The game being discussed is something called Lumosity. It’s meant to train memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities. The various games involved (consisting of interactive puzzles) are used in studies performed by some of the world’s most renowned scientists.  

During stroke recovery, your loved one’s processing speed isn’t what it used to be. Luminosity’s games have proven to bridge the cognitive gaps. 

Lumosity is highly engaging and enjoyable for anybody playing, so it’s something for your loved one to anticipate and look forward to. Moreover, it decreases how long it takes for your elder to complete mental tasks.

Communication is challenging after a stroke, and Lumosity will make it easier, enhancing both quality of life and overall safety.  

Focus on Physical Activity

According to research from the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, physical activity is linked to successful stroke recovery. The study analyzed 40 chronic stroke survivors and found that when exercise was involved in the recovery process, there were improvements in the following categories:

  • Memory
  • Cognitive function
  • Overall stroke recovery

It’s also no mystery that remaining physically active is highly beneficial for anybody’s mental health. 

While not always an option, do your best to ensure your loved one gets out of bed. You might be unsure of what’s possible, in which case, a rehabilitation center with skilled nursing will keep you on the right track. This way, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing you’re following all best practices in aiding in your loved one’s stroke recovery. 

Stay Positive and Be There for Your Loved One

When your loved one experiences a stroke, it’s natural to experience all ranges of emotions. This blog is here to tell you that all these feelings are understandable. Just doing what you can to help and be there for your ailing family member is what’s most crucial. 

Remember that following the above tips and helping your loved one incorporate these activities in their recovery process will significantly impact their successful rehabilitation.