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Module

OT for daily activities (ADLs) after stroke — dressing, bathing, toileting

Survivor/caregiver OT module on ADLs: restorative vs compensatory strategies, one-handed dressing routines, bathing/toileting safety, and practice drills

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntro18 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — follow OT/PT guidance for your specific situation.

Get help now

If there are new stroke-like symptoms: call your local emergency number. For falls with head injury or severe pain, seek urgent evaluation.

What you'll learn

  • Practice safer dressing/bathing/toileting routines
  • Understand compensatory vs restorative strategies
  • Reduce falls and skin injury risk

Two approaches

  • Restorative practice
  • Compensatory strategies
  • Mix both

Dressing routine

  • Sit to dress
  • Weak side first on, strong side first off
  • Lay clothes in order

Bathing safety

  • Grab bars + non-slip
  • Shower chair
  • Water temp check

Toileting basics

  • Timed schedule
  • Clothing adaptations
  • Skin care

Practice drill

  • One ADL per day
  • Repeat 5–10 minutes
  • Track wins

When to get OT/PT help

  • Near-falls
  • Shoulder pain
  • Skin breakdown

Practice check

Check your understanding

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

0 of 4 answered

Question 1

1. A safer dressing routine is:

Question 2

2. Weak side first on, strong side first off applies to:

Question 3

3. A bathing safety support is:

Question 4

4. A reason to get OT/PT help is:

References

  1. NICE guideline NG236 logo
    NICE guideline NG236
    Stroke rehabilitation in adults
  2. Cochrane (overview) logo
    Cochrane (overview)
    Interventions to improve independence in activities of daily living after stroke
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