Mummy survived the stroke. That was the prayer.

Then she came home, and the family discovered that survival was only the beginning.

She cannot walk without help. Her words no longer come easily.

Can she still improve?

Yes. Stroke recovery does not have a fixed deadline. Some people improve quickly. For others, progress continues slowly over months or even years. The amount and pace of recovery will differ because every stroke affects the brain differently.

The right rehabilitation depends on what the stroke changed.

A physiotherapist can help with strength, balance and safer movement.

A speech and language therapist can help when speaking, understanding or swallowing has become difficult.

An occupational therapist helps the survivor relearn everyday activities such as dressing, bathing and feeding.

Changes in mood, memory or behaviour should also be discussed with the healthcare team. They are not simply stubbornness or ingratitude.

At home, practise only the exercises recommended for her. Give her enough time to answer. Do not shout because her speech has changed, and do not speak as though she is no longer in the room.

Watch her carefully during meals. Coughing or choking may mean that swallowing is unsafe. Stop the meal and ask for a swallowing assessment. Food or liquid entering the lungs can cause serious illness.

Do not measure her recovery against another stroke survivor’s progress.

Look for the small victories that are easy to miss.