Strokes can be a terrifying experience, and they can be very hard on the body, especially for a senior. Not everyone knows about strokes, what to do when one occurs, or what to do after a stroke happens. This is when in-home care can be a huge help for seniors trying to age in place. On October 29th, it is World Stroke Day, and it is a good time to learn about how to handle a senior prone to strokes.
You may be worried about your parents or loved one living on their own, and that is perfectly natural. Having a caregiver come in and help them live healthily and keep an eye on them can be a huge stress reliever. In-home care is something that many seniors want because it allows them to stay safe and live in their own house.
A stroke happens when part of the blood flow is cut off from the brain. This is a medical emergency, and as soon as it starts, the senior should get help immediately. Often, someone going through a stroke will be unaware and may not be able to call for help. Having an in-home care provider is good for emergencies because they will help and call for assistance as soon as it happens.
What Are Symptoms of a Stroke?
There are many symptoms of a stroke, and unfortunately, this can be fatal. If a senior starts experiencing strokes, it is important they see a doctor right away. Prompt treatment is essential for the survival of a senior. Here are some symptoms of a stroke to keep an eye on.
- Lack of Speech- A senior may stop talking or may not understand what someone is saying to them. They may slur or be very confused.
- Numbness in The Body- Someone may go numb in the arms, legs, or sides of the face. Sudden numbness or weakness is a big sign of a stroke. You may even see the face go slack on the sides.
- Can’t See- If a senior's vision goes blurry or they can’t see, they may be having a stroke. Blackened vision or double vision is also a symptom.
- Headaches- Terrible headaches that cause nausea, pain, and altered consciousness may be a sign of a stroke.
- Can’t Walk- A senior may not be able to walk well or have a sudden loss of coordination during a stroke.
If an in-home care provider notices any of these symptoms it is important they note the time it started. This will help the doctors when medical treatment happens.
How to Help a Senior Who Just Had a Stroke
In-home caregivers may have experience helping seniors with strokes. However, if you are worried, this is the best time to learn what can help a senior. The important thing is to keep encouraging a senior to be independent, don’t do everything for them, it may slow their recovery.
Let them go to rehab exercises if needed, be patient if speech is altered after the stroke, and always provide emotional support. Strokes are never easy to go through, and they are even harder to come back from.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN ANNA MARIA, FL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON. CALL TODAY: (941) 499-5946
