Caregiver Tips: How to Support a Loved One Who Had a Stroke
A stroke is essentially a disruption of the blood supply to an area of the brain, depriving the brain tissue of nutrients and oxygen. Within minutes, brain cells die. Most people associate a stroke with the loss of use of one side of their body, slurred speech, and memory impairment. However, the outcome of a stroke depends on where it occurred in the brain and how long blood flow was interrupted or reduced.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of experiencing a stroke increases with age. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans, and the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. Approximately one out of four strokes are repeated strokes.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Although strokes can be devastating, the good news is that fewer Americans die of a stroke now than in the past. Stroke survivors often rely heavily upon their families to function each day. If your aging loved one has suffered a stroke, you already know that the road to recovery is difficult. Below are a few ways family members can support a loved one who has had a stroke.
Learn What to Expect
Rehabilitation after a stroke begins almost immediately after the patient is stable. After a stroke, the typical hospital stay is anywhere between five to seven days. While in the hospital, your loved one will begin physical, occupation, and/or speech therapy. Your loved one's caregiving team will continue to evaluate the effects of the stroke. Depending on the severity, the doctor may recommend intensive rehabilitation at an inpatient rehabilitation, moderate rehabilitation at a short-term skilled nursing facility, or a home-based rehabilitation program.
Recognize Stroke Recovery Ebbs & Flows
Your aging loved one may make great strides towards regaining complete independence while in the hospital. However, it's normal to experience lingering effects from the stroke. It can take months for them to recover from paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. They may experience cognitive decline, memory loss, or difficulty expressing their emotions. Their speech may be jumbled, and they may have trouble chewing or swallowing. The best way families can support their aging loved ones is to offer encouragement and extend patience.
Give Them Space to Recover
Although it may seem loving for family members to do as much as possible for the stroke survivor, constantly assisting can hinder their overall recovery process. Resist the urge to jump in and help. Instead, give your loved one space to complete tasks on their own. Set them up for success by modifying their home as needed and removing fall hazards. The more involved a stroke survivor is with their personal care or household tasks, the more opportunities their brains have to heal and rebuild neural pathways.
Monitor for Changes in Mood or Behavior
Most families focus on the stroke survivor's physical aspect of recovery. Many miss the invisible side of surviving a stroke, which involves mood and behavior. Stroke survivors have an increased risk of depression, especially if their stroke is severe. Other cognitive side effects of a stroke include confusion, fatigue, and attention deficits. Prescription medications can also contribute to shifts in mood and behavior. Family members should be aware of this and monitor their loved ones for mood changes or behavior.
When a loved one suffers a stroke, the impact reaches beyond the individual. Visiting Angels Jenkintown is here to support both the stroke survivor and their family. We recognize that the follow-up care your loved one receives after a stroke plays a significant role in preventing future strokes. That's where we come in. We offer a comprehensive approach to home care that includes assistance with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, laundry, and more. We can also provide companionship for your loved one while you step away to run errands or take a much-needed break. Our ability to provide a wide range of senior home care services for our elderly or disabled clients makes us stand out from other home care companies in the area. To learn more about how we can support you and your loved one, please get in touch with us today by calling 215-938-7201.