Understanding the Signs of a Stroke as a Family in Home Caregiver

By quickly identifying the signs of a stroke, family in home caregivers in Longmont, CO can  help senior loved ones get the care they need and potentially save their life

Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke. That is why it is so important to be familiar with the signs of stoke as an in home caregiver, whether you are a professional or a family member looking after your loved one in Longmont, CO. Being familiar with the signs of stroke can significantly impact your loved one’s overall wellbeing. Taking the time to familiarize yourself is very important.

During our time as professional in home caregivers, we have found one mnemonic device particularly helpful. FAST can help you quickly identify when someone is having a stroke.

Let’s take a look at what FAST entails:

• F – Face Drooping – One of the most immediately noticeable signs of stroke is when one side of the face is numb or drooping. If you believe your loved one is having a stroke, ask them to smile. If you notice that one part of their face is drooping, seek medical attention.
• A – Arm Weakness – A person experiencing a stroke may also experience weakness or numbing in one arm. Ask them to raise their arms. If one drifts downward, your loved one may be having a stroke.
• S – Speech Difficulty – Look out for slurred speech.
• T – Time to Call 911 – If you identify one or more of these symptoms, call 911 right away. Some seniors experiencing a stroke may experience symptoms for only a brief period. This does not mean they are out of the woods yet. They should still see a doctor.

According to the American Stroke Association, in addition to the symptoms outlined above, your loved one may also experience confusion, vision problems in one or both eyes, issues with balance, coordination, walking or dizziness and severe headaches.

Your loved one’s best chance to prevent stroke is by living a healthier life. A professional in home caregiver from Visiting Angels of Boulder County can help them do that if you are not able to on your own. There is no shame in that, and, at the end of the day, it is all about helping your loved one live a better, longer, healthier life. Whatever we can do to make that happen, we should.

Here is a word about our in home caregivers:

“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 Visiting Angels.

Visiting Angels of Boulder County is a leading provider of non-medical private home care for seniors. To learn more about the in-home assisted living services provided by our staff of compassionate caregivers, please call our Longmont office at (303) 828-2664 or contact us for more information.

Visiting Angels proudly serves Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward, and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.