How Long-Term Care Helps Seniors in Bethesda, MD Who Have Had a Stroke

Experiencing a stroke can be devastating. Strokes can cause paralysis, memory loss, vision problems and speech and language issues. According to the American Stroke Association, “The majority of strokes (87 percent) occur when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits called plaque. This cuts off blood flow to brain cells.”

Seniors may struggle to recover and rehabilitate. They must learn to navigate their surroundings, cope with lingering side effects and grapple with daily tasks. Fortunately, stroke recovery care from Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help your loved one transition home safely.

Transitioning Home Safely

The transition from hospital to home can be stressful. To ease the process, follow these tips for recovering at home:

Assess care needs early and often

Your hospital or rehabilitation facility will assess care needs in advance. A social worker or case manager can help you develop a plan to promote safety and recovery. Your role in the discharge process is to help the staff identify problems.

After returning home, monitor your loved one’s physical condition and psychological well-being. If you have concerns, tell your social worker or physician. Can your loved one perform daily tasks such as toileting, getting dressed, and preparing food? If your senior loved one is having difficulties, discuss getting help from family, friends or professional long-term care providers like Visiting Angels of Bethesda.

Modify your home

A social worker or case manager may perform a safety evaluation of the home before your senior is discharged. The evaluation will determine whether any home modifications or safety equipment is needed.

A social worker may recommend a walker or cane, grab bars, a shower seat in the bathroom or a chairlift for the stairs. Home modifications can promote a safe recovery and reduce the chances of hospital readmission from a fall or accident.

Arrange follow-up care

Your loved one will need ongoing medical care, so it’s important to make arrangements in advance. If your loved one needs help with transportation, personal care, light housekeeping or meal preparation, consider hiring a Visiting Angels of Bethesda long-term care provider. Our in-home caregivers can provide personalized support that meets your loved one’s unique requirements.

Get support

Caring for a stroke survivor can be challenging, so it’s vital to surround yourself with support. For some, joining support groups is helpful. Respite care from Visiting Angels of Bethesda ensures your loved one will receive essential senior care when you’re not available.

Reducing Hospital Re-Admissions

If your senior loved one needs long-term care after a stroke, Visiting Angels of Bethesda can reduce stress for family caregivers. Our Ready-Set-Go Home program helps seniors make a successful transition home after hospitalization. Home visits promote a safe recovery by lowering the risk of falls and other accidents.

If you’re in Bethesda or the surrounding areas and would like to learn more about how Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help with long-term care after a stroke, call us at 301-490-9050.