VISITING ANGELS SOUTH ELGIN, IL 847-429-0100
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How to Provide Care for a Stroke Survivor

How to Provide Care for a Stroke Survivor

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Strokes affect nearly 800,000 people each year in the U.S. and remain a leading cause of long-term disability. Strokes reduce mobility in over half of older adult stroke survivors. Strokes often cause an older adult to experience a significant life change, instantly robbing many older adults of their independence.

Strokes not only affect the life of the survivor, but they can also change the lives of close family members. One study estimated that 3.5 million family members provide care for stroke survivors without compensation. Most stroke survivors rely heavily upon their families for assistance once discharged home. Regardless of whether the family caregiver has had previous experience caring for older adults, the demands of a stroke survivor can be extremely overwhelming and exhausting. 

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. It reminds us to learn about the signs of stroke and take steps to lower its risk. It’s also a great time to empower family caregivers of stroke survivors. If you are a family caregiver caring for a loved one who suffered a stroke, here are some practical tips to help you provide exceptional care. 

Establish a Routine

Stroke survivors need a routine to help them maintain momentum in their recovery. Whether your loved one is currently receiving in-patient therapy or has been home for a few weeks, establish a routine that works for both of you. Encourage them to get dressed by a specific time each day. Include their rehabilitation exercises in their daily schedule. Promote everyday self-care as another way to increase fine motor function. Allow them to do as much as they can for themselves to regain a sense of power and independence.

Modify Their Home 

Stroke survivors have a higher risk of falling due to one-sided visual neglect and other common balance complications caused by a stroke. You may need to modify their home to improve their safety. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Remove throw rugs and declutter common walking paths. Ask their occupational therapist for home modification recommendations that might benefit your loved one. 

Monitor Medication Side-Effects 

Many stroke survivors are prescribed multiple medications to help with recovery. Family members should familiarize themselves with each medication, including possible side effects. Keep a log of when each medication is taken and take note of changes you notice in your loved one. Monitor for changes in mood and behavior, too, as some prescription medications can affect mental health. 

Support Them Through Advocacy 

One of the best ways to provide care to your loved one who suffered a stroke is to become their advocate. Attend doctor appointments so that you can hear first-hand recommendations and next steps. Meet your loved one’s therapy team and share any preferences that might help them establish a strong rapport. Communicate with their care team and speak up when something doesn’t seem right to you. 

Visiting Angels South Elgin recognizes that the road to recovery after suffering a stroke can be long and challenging. We are here to help. We are a senior home care agency that provides professional caregivers dedicated to ensuring that your loved one has the attention they need at home. We also understand that not everyone is the same. Everyone has their own set of unique needs and preferences, so we take an individualized approach to our senior home care. During the initial meeting with one of our service coordinators, we take the extra time to understand your loved one’s needs thoroughly. Once we have all the information we need, we develop a personalized care plan for your particular situation. Let us help you support your aging loved one so that you can have the time to take care of your own needs. To learn more, please get in touch with us today by calling 847-429-0100.

Serving Elgin and the surrounding NW IL Suburbs

Visiting Angels SOUTH ELGIN, IL
65 Woodbury St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-429-0100

Serving Elgin and the surrounding NW IL Suburbs

Visiting Angels SOUTH ELGIN, IL
65 Woodbury St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-429-0100