Stroke Recovery in the Elderly

It isn’t easy recovering from a stroke, but it’s possible with the right care. 

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Strokes affect more than 795,000 people in the United States each year and are responsible for about one out of every 20 deaths. A stroke is one of the biggest causes of long-term disability, and more than 65% of people who experience a stroke are over the age of 65.

A stroke can lead to serious complications, including a reduction in mobility. In individuals over the age of 65, complications and risks are even greater. Many survivors experience a long road to recovery. In addition, one out of four strokes happens in patients who have already experienced a stroke. If your loved one has suffered a stroke, it’s important that you not only help them on their journey to recovery but also work to prevent future occurrences.

 

Recovering From a Stroke at Home

 

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If your loved one will be recovering at home, the best thing you can do for them is to put them into a position where they can succeed. This may include adding handrails or grab bars in critical places, removing bulky furniture to allow for wider walkways, and investing in a home monitoring system to check in on their well being. Your loved one’s doctor may recommend a rehabilitation plan that includes healthy food choices, low impact exercise, physical therapy, and even modifications to their home.

If they have trouble communicating, it’s critical not to lose patience or show signs of frustration. Their intelligence is still intact, but the path to language has been blocked. Make it easy for them to talk to you by using short sentences, symbols, or pictures. In some cases, working with a language pathologist may help to restore this pathway.

Also, remember that a stroke can be traumatic for patients. The initial shock alone can be difficult for everyone, but your loved one may suffer from PTSD long after the fact. Being aware of and caring for their mental well-being is just as important as their physical health, so work with them to address emotions that may prevent them from fully recovering.

 

How Home Care Can Help with Stroke Recovery

 

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Utilizing home health care in tandem with an in-home care agency can assist with stroke recovery while allowing your loved one to recuperate in the comfort of their own home. Many caregivers have experience in working with elderly patients who have suffered a stroke and understand how to overcome communication issues and other obstacles that will contribute to their recovery process.

Home health aides can provide assistance with daily tasks, exercises like walking, and special dietary needs, such as thickened liquids for patients who have difficulty swallowing. A professional caregiver can also help prevent falls and injuries in the home if your loved one has limited mobility. Help will always be available to them so they can rest and recover from their stroke and follow doctors’ recommendations to prevent another stroke from occurring.

In addition, home health care can offer much-needed respite to family members who may have had to make adjustments in their own lives when caring for a loved one. Family members can continue working and taking care of daily responsibilities while ensuring their loved one receives the ongoing care and attention they need to recover.

Contact Tailored Home Care for questions and information regarding home care services.

 

 

Resources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/stroke

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040254/

https://www.saebo.com/9-ways-help-elderly-recover-stroke/

https://www.saebo.com/preventing-treating-stroke-elderly/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/3-ways-to-avoid-a-second-stroke

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke