Module

The first week home after stroke: a day-by-day plan (survivor + caregiver)

A simple first-week checklist: safety setup, meds routine, follow-up scheduling, swallowing safety, and pacing—without overload

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntro14 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — confirm your personalized plan with your discharge and therapy teams.

Get help now

If stroke is suspected: call your local emergency number immediately and note last known well time. For choking with trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or serious fall/head injury (especially on blood thinners): seek emergency help.

What you'll learn

  • Set up home safety basics
  • Start a medication routine
  • Know urgent red flags
  • Plan follow-ups without dropping loops

Key insight

Pick 1–2 daily rehab tasks

Day 0–1: safety + meds

  • Night lights + clear paths
  • Medication list + reminders
  • Swallow safety plan
  • Emergency numbers

Day 2–3: follow-ups + rehab

  • Schedule referrals/tests
  • Pick 1–2 daily rehab tasks
  • Rest breaks

Day 4–5: routines

  • Weekly review time
  • Meal plan
  • Caregiver shift plan

Day 6–7: adjust

  • What’s working?
  • What’s unsafe?
  • Update care plan binder

Urgent red flags

  • New stroke symptoms
  • Falls with head injury
  • Choking with breathing trouble

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. A good first-night safety step is:

Question 2

2. Loop closure means:

Question 3

3. If new stroke-like symptoms happen, you should:

References

  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke logo
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    Stroke (overview)
  2. NICE logo