power of attorney, photos, other support for stroke victims?

[ErnesttheBavarian]

Fil got some permanent brain damage following stroke, still unclear how much. Someone suggested POA to help him pay bills etc, as he can't e.g. talk on phone etc. Dh is unwilling as feeling it's questioning his ability to make decisions, (to be frank, I think those abilities are questionable anyway) but does anyone know about POA, and if it's a good idea, etc.

ALso, he doesn't remember some family names, so it's been suggested we bring photos of the grandkids.

Any other ideas on helping him recover? I dunno, flashcards (of what?) any other tips or ideas much appreciated

Sorry to hear about your FIL. I hope as times progresses his brain heals a bit more.

I think if you were to apply for POA your FIL would need to consent anyway and if he is unable to consent a doctor would be able to help you out. Just because you have POA you should still involve your FIL in decisions as far as he can manage. Your GP should be able to give you advice.

Are you getting any other help? I think photos of the grandchildren and yourselves would be great and put their names on them. Does your FIL have access to Speech Therapy? they would be the ones to give you more advice specific to your FIL.

I have just done a quick google search on communcaiton after stroke and a few pages came up. I'll have a proper look for info for you if you are not able to get anything. Is the difficulty remembering the names or finding the right names? Does it help if you give the first sound e.g. S..... and he then gets Sophie? how is his reading/writing as that can sometimes help too. It depends on the nature of the difficulty the stratiegies that can work.

Does this help?

xx

Thanks for responding.

We have sent pictures. Dh resistant to getting POA. just looking for other ideas to help really. He is in special stroke unit, so getting plenty of ST and rehabilitation. For the time being.

If he is still in rehab unit he should be getting good input. The first couple of months are really important.

Speak to the speech therapist, they are usually happy to give you ideas to help, afterall communication happens all of the time!

It will probably take time for your DH to get his head around what is happening. POA will probably become more clear as you begin to think about FIL discharging rom hospital and after he has made a bit more progress you might find the decision is easier. Your FIL might even make his feelings known.

Good luck and ask questions of the hospital staff and doctors they will help to inform your decision.
xx