6 Tips for Helping a Senior Recover from a Stroke

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Family caregivers can be a source of emotional and physical support for senior loved ones recovering from strokes. However, the recovery process often requires patience and understanding. Remember to prioritize your health as well as your loved one’s wellbeing. Here are a few ways you can help your loved one recover from a stroke. 

 

1. Educate Yourself

Learn all you can about the type of stroke your loved one experienced, the damage done, and the interventions needed for recovery. Ask questions or perhaps join a support group. The more knowledge you gain, the greater the quality of care you can provide. 

An in-home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who is recovering from a stroke. Families looking for top-rated 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.

 

2. Assess Your Loved One’s Needs

A senior recovering from a stroke might need help with dressing, meal preparation, personal hygiene, and toileting. Your loved one may also require mobility devices and help when moving from one location to another. Some stroke survivors have difficulty communicating. 

Learn about your loved one’s limitations so you can devise a care plan accordingly. Based on your loved one’s deficits, determine if you’re able to care for him or her independently or require outside help.

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Reston, VA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

 

3. Make the Home Safer

Once your family member receives medications and instructions for recovery, he or she can come home from the hospital. Your first priority should be considering the safety of the home. Eliminate clutter from pathways and install grab bars. Get assistive or mobility devices if needed.

 

4. Attend Rehabilitation Sessions

By going to rehabilitation appointments with your loved one, you learn about the recovery process. This way, you have a better understanding of why certain activities or exercises are necessary. However, resist the urge to push your loved one beyond his or her capabilities, and praise small accomplishments along the way. 

 

5. Expect Mood Changes

Behavioral and mood changes aren’t uncommon among older adults recovering from strokes. Seniors might also become impatient or frustrated when they feel recovery isn’t progressing as quickly as expected. Demonstrate compassion and understanding while offering reassurance, comfort, and support. 

 

6. Reduce Risk Factors

Having a stroke increases the likelihood that another may follow. Caregivers can minimize the risk by ensuring their loved ones take medications as prescribed and alter their lifestyles as needed. Encourage your family member to exercise, consume low-fat meals prepared with lean meat, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make sure your parent attends appointments with physicians and therapists as needed. If your loved one is a smoker, help him or her quit.

The type of home care Reston 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. Call us today for a free consultation.