Understanding Strokes
Did you know that having a stroke is the leading cause of permanent disabilities in older adults? Strokes occur when a person’s brain is deprived of oxygen because of a damaged blood vessel or blocked artery, causing brain cells to begin to die. Depending on the severity of the stroke, the person may struggle to overcome lasting side effects, experiencing a long road to recovery. Fortunately, with the right support, a stroke survivor can maintain a high quality of life. Here are some tips to help you support a loved on who has suffered a stroke.
Disabilities Following a Stroke
For many stroke victims, living with a disability becomes a fact of life. The possible disabilities suffered by stroke victims bring lifestyle limitations, but with the help of some planning and preparation, it is possible to help your loved one cope and continue aging at home comfortably. Permanent disabilities can include:
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Partial vision loss
- Partial paralysis, either to an arm, leg, or side of the body
- Trouble swallowing
- Decreased strength
Steps to Take Before Leaving the Hospital
The information given to a stroke survivor and his or her family during discharge from the hospital can be overwhelming. However, it’s vital to understand the instructions given, so make sure to write them down or ask that they be provided in print. Ask questions to clarify anything you don’t understand, and if you plan to hire a professional caregiver, consider having that person present at the appointment to assist you. Before bringing your loved one home, improve home safety by identifying potential hazards and installing accessible features like grab bars, a raised toilet seat, and a shower seat. Make sure there are no trip hazards, and that all steps and stairs have sufficient lighting to prevent falls. Create a recovery room, near the bathroom, with your loved one’s bed in it, and a method of communicating with a his or her caregiver, like a bell, phone, or speaker system.
Why Hire Home Care?
Once home from the hospital, your loved one may be in a position of needing help with things he or she used to do independently. While family members can help, it can also be practical to partner with a homecare provider so that the stroke survivor can have professional assistance, as well. Homecare services can help with tasks like housekeeping, cooking, errands, and even simple things like bathing, grooming, and cutting food. A home caregiver can also provide companionship for a senior experiencing loneliness and a feeling of lost independence after a stroke.
Know How to Help
There are certain things with which most stroke survivors will need help. Help your senior by devising a multi-faceted approach focusing on the following areas:
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Mobility: Many people develop a shuffling gait after a stroke, which makes them more likely to fall. Since falls are a major cause of rehospitalization for stroke survivors, plan to help practice walking, and make sure there are no potential fall hazards and that the things your loved one needs are within reach without the need for a stepladder.
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Rehabilitation: After a stroke, your senior is likely to need weekly physical or speech therapy to help them learn to live in their “new normal.” Additionally, research indicates that when rehabilitation begins quickly after a stroke, the senior is more likely to recover completely.
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Reassurance: When a senior suffers a stroke, he or she may struggle with anxiety and depression. Reassurance that you will be there to help and make sure your loved one gets the very best care possible can be an important part of providing support. Plan to accompany your senior to doctor’s appointments and therapy, and help to find a stroke recovery support group.
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Lifestyle Changes: Stroke survivors are at risk of experiencing another stroke, but positive lifestyle changes can reduce that risk. Encourage your loved one to:
- Control blood sugar and blood pressure
- Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.
- Eat a more nutritious diet, full of fresh produce and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Socialize with other people.
Supporting Stroke Survivors
You can make a big difference in the life of a stroke survivor by providing support and partnering with a homecare agency to ensure he or she gets high-quality care. At BrightStar Care of Jupiter/Martin County, we know that staying healthy as you age can be a challenge. That’s why we work hard to deliver the right care for older people and to be a partner their loved ones can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Visit our website to apply now or call 561-741-1200 to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family.