While a stroke can occur to anyone at just about any time, there are some health issues and lifestyle choices that can increase a person’s risk of having a stroke. Knowing your elderly loved one’s risk factors can help you and stroke care at home providers work with them to make changes and choices that may help reduce their risk of stroke in the future.
Stroke Risk Factors
One of the most common risk factors of having a stroke is high blood pressure. Keeping blood pressure under control with medications and a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing the risk of stroke.
Other factors that could increase your loved one’s risk for stroke include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and being obese. Those with Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease are often at a higher risk as well.
When a Stroke Occurs
It’s very possible that you may take all of the best efforts to keep your elderly loved one healthy and at a low risk for stroke, and they may still have one. Catching a stroke early on is imperative for reducing the damage it causes and possibly saving your loved one’s life.
The four key components of recognizing a stroke include:
The keyword you want to remember when you think someone might be having a stroke is FAST. Not only do you want to be fast-acting to get them the help they need, but each letter can remind you of what to look for when a stroke may be occurring.
F– Face drooping on one side. Ask your loved one if their face feels numb or ask them to smile and see if both sides can move properly.
A – Arm weakness. One arm may suddenly become weak, and they won’t be able to lift it.
S– Speech Issues. Is your loved one having trouble talking, or are their words slurred?
T– Trouble walking or seeing. It can also stand for Time to Call 911. Don’t waste a minute when it comes to a stroke.
If a Stroke Does Occur
A survivable stroke is a good thing because it means your loved one is still here with you and you have more time together, and nothing is more precious than that. But stroke recovery can be a long and painful process that can sometimes take years, and many people may never fully recover. As a caregiver, it can easily mean that the tasks that you help your loved one with daily may increase, and you’ll possibly need some help with the stroke care at home services that you are providing your loved one.
Home care agencies that specialize in stroke care at home can come in and support you and your loved one as they recover from their stroke and plan for what their life may look like after the stroke. With stroke care at home, your loved one can get as little or as much help as needed, and it can change as their needs change. Stroke care at home providers can step in and assist during the recovery period and then during their regular daily routine if still needed.
While a stroke is never a welcome event, there are plenty of resources now, including stroke care at home, that can help your loved one live with the aftereffects of a stroke and still thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.
Providing exceptional Stroke Care at Home in Centreville, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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