The challenges of teaching clients with cerebrovascular accidents to manage their diabetes

Cerebrovascular accident is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults, and occurs more frequently in persons with diabetes. The numerous resulting cognitive, perceptual, communicative, and motor disturbances present a challenge to the individual's ability to learn and carry out aspects of diabetes care and other personal care activities. Different educational strategies can be used depending on the impairments that are present and the needs of the individual. The major goal of these interventions is to help the individual achieve an optimal level of independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. After a thorough assessment to identify the remaining abilities, the educator should collaborate with clients and their families to plan and implement ability enhancing and ability compensating strategies.