Caring for someone at home after a stroke: a family guide
The short answer
After a stroke most recovery happens at home, through daily repetition in the months that follow. The family's job is to make the house safe, help with movement without doing everything for the person, keep up the daily exercises between physiotherapy sessions, and know the warning signs of another stroke. A neuro-physiotherapist teaches the carer how to do each of these safely.
Book stroke rehabilitation at home, ₦85,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Set up the house
- A bed at a height where the feet rest flat on the floor when sitting on the edge
- A firm chair with arms, so standing up is easier
- Clear walkways, no loose rugs, and a light at night between the bed and the toilet
- A commode or raised toilet seat and grab rails where they are needed
- The weak side facing the room, so the person is encouraged to use and look to that side
Help, but do not take over
It is natural to do everything for someone you love. But recovery depends on the person doing as much as they safely can: feeding themselves, standing, dressing the weak arm first. Give time and only as much help as is needed. Your physiotherapist will show you how to support safely without lifting in ways that injure you or them.
Prevent the common complications
- Falls: the commonest setback. Practise transfers with the physiotherapist before trying them alone
- Pressure sores: change position at least every two to three hours for someone who cannot move themselves, and check heels, hips and the lower back daily
- A painful shoulder on the weak side: never pull on the weak arm to move someone
- Swallowing problems: if coughing or choking with food or drink, ask a doctor before giving more
- Low mood: depression after a stroke is common and treatable. Mention it to the doctor
Warning signs: act immediately
Face drooping, a new weakness in an arm or leg, slurred or confused speech, sudden severe headache, or sudden loss of vision can mean another stroke. Go to hospital immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes, and do not give food, drink or tablets by mouth.
What it costs on Mezo
Paid online. No call-out fee. The carer is taught to continue between sessions.
Common questions
How much is stroke physiotherapy at home in Lagos?
₦85,000 for a session of up to two hours with a neuro-physiotherapist, with no call-out fee anywhere in Lagos. The carer is taught to continue the work between sessions.
Should we hire a nurse or a physiotherapist?
Often both, for different jobs. A nurse helps with personal care, medicines and pressure areas; a physiotherapist works on movement and teaches the family. Mezo provides both at home.
Can herbs or massage reverse a stroke?
No. Some traditional massage is forceful and can injure a weak shoulder or cause falls. Recovery comes from medical treatment to prevent another stroke, and from steady, targeted practice.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Recovering from a stroke. NHS. Patient information.
- Stroke rehabilitation in adults (NG236). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 13 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer:This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.