How to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Stroke
Providing a quick response when a loved one is having a stroke is one of the many ways you can provide quality personal home care services for an elderly loved one in Eldersburg, MD
Do you know how to identify the signs of a stroke? If you provide personal home care for a loved one, you probably know how important it is to watch for any change in Mom or Dad’s well-being. Knowing the signs of a stroke can literally save your loved one’s life and make a significant difference in their long-term health.
Have you heard of FAST? The name explains itself – it is a fast, reliable way to determine if your loved one is having a stroke. FAST is a mnemonic developed in the UK in 1998 as an easy way to remember the warning signs of a stroke.
FAST stands for:
- F stands for Face Drooping – Check out your loved one’s face – is one side numb or drooping? Ask them to smile for you and if their facial expression seems somewhat uneven, you should seek medical attention.
- A stands for Arm Weakness – Look for weakness or numbing in one arm – this can be an indicator of a stroke. Have your loved one raise their arms for you and if one drifts down – they are likely having a stroke.
- S stands for Speech Difficulty – Those experiencing a stroke often have difficulties pronouncing words and sentences distinctively and accurately. Look for slurred speech in your loved one. This is one of the most obvious and most common signs of a stroke.
- T stands for Time – Call 911 immediately if you happen to notice one or more of these symptoms. Try to memorize when the symptoms started and if they seem to be withdrawing. Even if the symptoms disappear, it doesn’t mean your loved one is all right, so make sure to seek medical attention as soon as you notice something is wrong.
The American Stroke Association has released some additional stroke symptoms personal home care providers should also be aware of:
- Numbing or weakness in legs, arms or face, usually on one side of the body
- Problems with vision affecting one or both eyes
- Dizziness and/or difficulties with gait, balance, and coordination
- Sudden, severe headache
- Confusion or difficulties with comprehension
Your loved one can significantly lower their risk of a stroke if they adhere to healthy lifestyle habits. This may include regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and blood pressure monitoring. However, many older adults have trouble managing their medication, preparing healthy meals or getting to doctor’s appointments.
If this is the case with Mom or Dad, you might want to consider hiring a personal home care provider from Visiting Angels Eldersburg to visit them when you’re not able to. A dedicated, professional caregiver can make healthy living much easier for your loved one.
“Our senior home care professionals provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Our compassionate caregivers make it possible for many seniors to continue living at home and for them to remain healthy,” explains Larry Meigs, President and CEO of personal home care agency Visiting Angels.
Hopefully, these guidelines can help you recognize the signs of a stroke, providing you with the know-how to react quickly and adequately. Your loved one’s well-being and long-term health may depend on it.
To learn more about how we can help your loved one around the house after they’ve suffered a stroke, contact our Eldersburg, MD office.