Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability. Many stroke survivors report frustration with the recovery process and difficulties overcoming physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Although returning home from the hospital may seem overwhelming, there are proactive steps family caregivers and their senior loved ones can take to make the transition smoother. Below are seven tips for those recovering from a stroke.
1. Follow Expert Advice
It’s crucial to schedule regular doctor’s appointments. Stroke survivors often need to visit their neurologists once every six weeks during the early stages of recovery, though many fail to comply with recommended follow-up appointments. Your loved one’s primary care doctor is essential to recovery and can make sure medication needs and health issues are addressed properly.
2. Adapt the Home to Your Loved One’s Abilities & Needs
Strokes increase the risk of a fall. Following the advice of doctors, therapists, and discharge planners, your loved one’s home may require modifications to keep your parent safe and comfortable, such as adding grab bars in the shower or moving the bedroom to the ground floor to avoid stairs.
When recovering from a stroke, your loved one is likely to need some assistance around the house. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
3. Follow Up on Blood Work
Strokes occur when there’s a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Anticoagulants will often be prescribed to facilitate recovery. The dosage is adjusted based on blood flow, so regular blood tests are essential to ensure effectiveness and safety.
4. Understand Your Loved One’s Limitations
During post-stroke recovery, the brain is rebuilding damaged synapses, which can cause mild confusion or fogginess along with physical challenges. Activities that were once routine may be more difficult, so encourage your loved one to take his or her time and reach out for support from you or another caregiver.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Miami families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
5. Encourage Your Loved One to Do as Much as He or She Can
It’s important for your loved one to keep a positive attitude and try basic tasks independently when he or she feels ready. Small accomplishments will provide a mental boost to help your loved one achieve long-term recovery goals. Your loved one should never endanger him or herself by attempting too much too soon, and caregivers can help with daily activities until your loved one feels comfortable trying them again independently.
6. Maintain the Rehabilitation Schedule
Therapy needs may vary, but all stroke survivors should start as soon as possible, attend recommended appointments, and complete exercises.
7. Follow a Healthy Diet
Strokes can be the result of other medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension. To reduce unnecessary stress on the body, limit your loved one’s intake of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. A balanced diet and consistent meal schedule are critical to a healthy recovery. A professional caregiver from a reputable home care agency can help with healthy meal preparation so your loved one can focus on recovery.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Miami, FL, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.
