After a cerebrovascular accident (stroke), many patients return home with hemiplegia, swallowing difficulties, or speech impairment. Correct care in the early phase has a major impact on recovery and the prevention of complications. Below is what families need to know.
Recognise the signs of stroke recurrence (F.A.S.T rule): facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and Time — call emergency services (115) immediately if any of these appear. This article is a care guide and does not replace a doctor's diagnosis and treatment.
1. Pressure sore prevention — the top priority
- Reposition the patient every 2 hours, including during the night.
- Keep skin dry and clean; use a pressure-relief mattress and cushion bony prominences.
- Check the sacrum, heels, elbows, and shoulder blades every day for early redness.
- If a sore has developed, change the dressing with correct technique to prevent the infection from spreading.
2. Nutrition and the risk of aspiration
- Patients with swallowing difficulties are at risk of aspiration — feed in an upright position, with soft food, in small amounts.
- If a nasogastric tube is in place, feed using correct technique and keep the tube clean.
- Ensure adequate fluid and protein intake to support wound healing and muscle recovery.
3. Early mobilisation
- Perform passive range-of-motion exercises on all joints to prevent contractures and muscle atrophy.
- Follow the rehabilitation plan set by the physiotherapist or physician.
- Be consistent every day; progress is often slow but steady.
4. Medication and monitoring
- Take medications on time as prescribed (antihypertensives, anticoagulants, lipid-lowering drugs, etc.).
- Monitor blood pressure and blood glucose regularly and keep a log.
- Attend follow-up appointments on time; consider a home doctor visit if going to hospital is difficult.
When should you hire a home nurse?
If the patient has severe paralysis, indwelling tubes, pressure sores, or the family does not have enough people to provide round-the-clock care, a professional nurse will deliver safer care: pressure sore prevention, executing medical orders, dressing changes, vital signs monitoring, and early detection of complications. You can choose an 8-hour/day or a 24-hour/day package, quoted to the patient's condition.
Supporting your family
GreenCare provides certified nurses for post-stroke home care, combining pressure sore dressing changes, IV therapy per medical order, and home doctor visits when needed — helping the patient recover in a familiar environment.
Need personalised advice for your loved one? Call our hotline 094 368 81 15 (24/7) — calling to ask a question or to book costs nothing. GreenCare has doctors who come to examine, nurses who carry out doctor's orders (injections, infusions, dressing changes), remote consultation by video call, and a review of the medicines you are taking; an in-depth remote consultation, or any one after the first, is a paid service. For children we take examination and acute care only — not long-term care at home, and not newborns or expectant mothers. We confirm we have staff in your area and provide transparent pricing before we begin.
Where this service is available
This service is available in 11 locations where Y Tế Xanh has its own in-house doctors and nurses on the ground, who come to your home or hotel: Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, Phong Nha – Quang Tri, Quy Nhon, Kon Tum.
