A stroke can negatively impact every aspect of a senior’s life, and many survivors live with the effects for years. While having a stroke can be overwhelming for an aging adult, medical professionals have come up with some amazing treatments. Many stroke survivors are able to regain some of their abilities within weeks, and your aging loved one could be back on his or her feet before you know it if he or she follows a strict recovery plan.
Head to the Emergency Room Immediately
Over the last few decades, doctors have developed some incredibly effective treatments for stroke survivors. Seniors who make it to the hospital within a short time can usually be given various medications that break apart blood clots and increase blood flow. These drugs greatly reduce the risk of permanent damage, but they must be taken as quickly as possible. Once the medications have been administered and the condition has stabilized, the medical team can then come up with a long-term recovery plan.
Focus on the First Few Days of Rehabilitation
Well before heading home, stroke survivors must work with rehab specialists if they want to speed up their recovery. At the hospital or inpatient center, they’ll most likely carry out a variety of exercises every few hours.
Some of these exercises might seem unusual or ineffective, but they’re exceptionally important. During the first few days of recovery, rehabilitation exercises could potentially prevent permanent nerve damage. Many of these exercises can also minimize cognitive issues, such as difficulty paying attention and memory loss.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely during recovery. Families looking for top-rated at-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments
The symptoms of a stroke are incredibly complex, and there isn’t a single treatment plan that works for everyone. To continue making progress, your loved one must meet regularly with a team of medical specialists. In addition to seeing his or her primary doctor and neurologist, your loved one will most likely have appointments with an occupational therapist as well. Skipping those follow-up appointments could slow your loved one’s recovery and result in other health issues.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Columbia live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.
Keep Your Loved One Healthy at Home
Sticking to a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest are two of the most important components of stroke recovery. Eating nutrient-dense foods provides the body with the fuel needed to repair and replace damaged cells and gives seniors the energy required for therapy sessions and exercises.
Resting is vital to recovery as well, and your loved one might need to get as much as 12 hours of sleep every night. Many stroke survivors experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. If your loved one is living with any of these issues, you’ll need to inform his or her medical team so they can come up with a new treatment plan.
The type of home care Columbia seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call today.
