Gift Ideas for Stroke Patients

Finding a gift for a stroke survivor may seem like a daunting task but there are a variety of sensible and extremely useful gifts you can get for a friend, family member or spouse who has experienced a stroke.

Types of Stroke Gifts to Consider for Survivors

Depending on the severity of the stroke, a survivor may deal with a wide range of issues. Accordingly, there is a wide range of tools available to cater to their needs. If this is your first time searching for stroke recovery gifts, don’t worry. Below, you’ll find helpful information to get you started, no matter what your loved one’s condition and personal needs are.

1. Dining Aids

There are many adaptive kitchen aids that help stroke survivors stay involved in meal prep, even when assistance from others is needed. Easy-to-install one-handed jar openers can be especially helpful for those who might only have the use of one hand or limited grip strength. The Rocking T-Knife allows survivors to safely cut food with their own momentum. With its easy-to-grip handle, a stroke survivor can apply pressure with a light rocking motion and easily chop or dice food. When it is time for dinner to be served, the Freedom No-Slip Scoop Plate has a vacuum pad that seals itself against surfaces to prevent any spills or accidents. Stroke survivors can feel at ease knowing that they won’t make a mess while eating.

2. Bathing, Grooming & Other Personal Hygiene Aids

In many cases, a stroke survivor will experience loss of mobility in a critical area of the body. Any tool that makes the bathing or grooming process easier can be a tremendous help in regaining their independence. Staying sanitary is important to everyone, but those who have experienced a stroke may have difficulty tending to their hygiene effectively. This issue can often be alleviated with mobility and functionality aids designed for use in the bathroom and during day-to-day self-care activities.

3. Dressing Aids

Tools that assist with getting dressed and ready in the morning can make a huge difference in a stroke survivor’s progress toward reclaiming independence. With a long-grip shoe horn, stroke survivors can get themselves dressed without too much effort. From a seated position, this tool extends all the way to the heel, allowing the user to effortlessly slip on their shoes without bending over. From putting on a belt to buttoning up a shirt, there are plenty of products that can ease the difficulties of getting dressed independently for a stroke survivor.

4. Brain Games, Apps, or Other Activities

Keeping the mind stimulated is extremely important when rebuilding the body and a great way to exercise the mind (try our SaeboMind program here) is by using rehabilitation games and mobile apps. Any game that encourages cognitive function can be useful and many exist that are specifically designed for cognitive recovery. You can select the perfect option based on your loved one’s personal interests.

Crocheting is also a classic way to pass the time and an excellent way to encourage repetition and movement for someone who isn’t interested in playing video games.

5. Safety & Comfort Aids

Medical alert systems are great for any person who has a medical complication that could endanger them. For stroke survivors, these kinds of alert systems greatly improve safety by making it easy to call for family members or emergency staff when needed, even while living, working, or engaging in recreational activities alone.

6. Mobility Aids

Everyone desires the freedom to move around at their leisure and, conveniently, there are numerous products that simplify and promote independent mobility. A range of purpose-built transfer aids can help stroke survivors in and out of vehicles or assist with sitting or standing.

Or if you want to take it up a notch, get your loved one a product that will help them build their strength and overall, increase their mobility over time. If walking safely and comfortably is difficult for the survivor in your life, try giving them the SaeboStep so they can manage their foot drop and wear a soft AFO that pairs with nearly any shoe!

7. Entertainment

Everyone loves a good book, but a stroke survivor could potentially have a tough time reading one if they aren’t able to hold it properly. Thankfully, book holders allow a survivors to read hands-free. A folding clip keeps place on the left and right sides of the book, and the device can be fitted to any book thickness. The reader can easily flip the pages, and when they’re done, it has a built-in bookmark. Supportive and solution-oriented books like these can be particularly engaging and useful resources to a survivor seeking guidance and encouragement.

During recovery, a stroke survivor might spend long periods of time in bed, so why not keep them entertained with unlimited movies or TV shows? A monthly subscription to popular streaming services like Netflix or Hulu can make the time move faster while keeping the mind occupied and entertained.

8. Wheelchair Positioning Aids

Sitting for long periods of time can take a toll on a survivor’s level of comfort. Wheelchair positioning aids like these offer safety and support to alleviate potential pain or skin irritation and can reduce pressure on other parts of the body.

9. Speech & Writing Aids

If a loved one has trouble writing after a stroke, tools like writing aids or other adaptive office supplies can be helpful. There are a wide variety of writing utensils with special grips that allow a survivor to write comfortably, and this freedom of expression can greatly increase independence.

If speech-based communication is difficult for a survivor, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods and devices can be instrumental in bridging gaps. AAC solutions can range from no- to high-tech: something as simple (and common) as pointing to a food item on a menu instead of speaking, or as complex as a tablet device that translates nonverbal cues (eyes following words on a page) into spoken language (the words read aloud by the device).

10. Gifts You Can’t Buy

Having the tools to do things independently is invaluable, but nothing beats having a friend or family member cook you a nice meal now and then. Instead of making a purchase, offer to make a loved one dinner or treat them to takeout. If they aren’t hungry, there might be other small chores you can do around the house to help. It’s important to spend time with a stroke survivor to make them feel supported, which is why there is no better gift than your time.

Support and Encouragement Are The Best Gifts

If you’re trying to think of a good gift for someone who has just experienced a stroke, always remember that nothing is more valuable than proactive support. A stroke survivor will need your encouragement and care, and the fact that you’re actively seeking ways for them to lead a better life is a tremendous gift already.

Here at Saebo, we are committed to stroke support and recovery for all survivors and their families. With a wide range of products and Saebo-trained therapists, our offerings and network can help you or a loved one in the journey to full rehabilitation.