A stroke occurs due to the blockage of blood flow to the brain, and it is often a result of a broken blood vessel or a blood clot. A stroke can lead to other health issues that require time and patience to heal. The main focus of stroke recovery is on enhancing the affected person’s physical health and brain functions. Home care experts share some ways you can help your aging loved one during his or her stroke recovery.
Accompany Your Loved One at the Hospital
Mostly, stroke survivors need to spend quite some time in a hospital. During the recovery, make sure your loved one gets enough emotional and social support. Visit him or her regularly and continue to talk normally. Even if your loved one cannot communicate properly, he or she will still be able to understand your message.
Follow the Directions of Healthcare Professionals
It is crucial to listen to your loved one’s doctor, nurses, and therapists. Family caregivers may find it helpful to carry a notebook so they can note down instructions. Follow recommendations about exercise, therapy, medication, and nutrition to allow your loved one to recover as quickly as possible. Make sure to talk to the doctor before using any supplements.
Reduce the Factors that Lead to Strokes
People who have survived a stroke are at a high risk of experiencing another one. Family caregivers should take measures to help their aging loved one stay healthy by eating low-sodium, low-fat diet that contains lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Make sure your loved one isn’t exposed to secondhand smoke, and discourage him or her from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. Once your senior loved one regains physical health, help him or she follows a gentle cardio exercise.
Understand Mood Swings
Many elderly stroke survivors experience anger, frustration, anxiety, and sadness. Be patient and try to understand the reasons your loved one has outbursts. Provide your loved one sympathy and empathize with his or her emotions, but be supportive and stay calm because such behaviors are not in your loved one’s control.
Make the Home Safer
Following a stroke, seniors typically face challenges with their motor skills, so you may have to make some changes in the home setting and surroundings of your loved one. Consider getting your loved one utensil holders to allow him or she eat meals easily and make sure his or her clothing has elastic or Velcro closures so he or she can get dressed with greater ease. Remove and clutter and secure rigs to the floor with rug glue or tape to lower the risk of falls, add anti-slip mat in the bathroom, and install grab bars. Recovering from a stroke can make it challenging for many seniors to continue living at home without proper assistance. You can consider hiring professional home care. Families should determine the type of care their loved one needs to maintain a high-quality lifestyle without leaving the comfort of home.
Author: Lutgarda Mariano has professional experience of twenty years in sales and management in a variety of diverse functions and has also grown various businesses like administration and financial services. However, at the core of every role, she has found herself wanting to help people find betterment in their lives with a wide range of choices. Over time, she has built good relationships with healthcare community in Victoria and made a commitment to provide unique, comprehensive care with Best Health Guidelines. She writes about whatever helps other, especially seniors to make aging a better experience.
