Stroke recovery largely depends on the extent of the brain injury and the length of time before treatment begins, but seniors who have experienced strokes need organized and dedicated caregivers regardless of the extent of recovery. Here are some tips on how to care for your senior loved one post-stroke.
Follow the Doctor’s Advice
During the early stages of recovery, seniors should visit their neurologists once every six weeks to see if any changes need to be made in the care process. Complying with follow-up appointments can ensure your loved one’s health issues and medication needs are addressed appropriately.
Reorganize Your Loved One’s Home
Seniors who have experienced strokes can be prone to falls and may not be able to make it up stairs. Your loved one’s home may need some slight modifications to comfortably accommodate him or her. Adding grab bars in the shower to assist with balance or even moving the bedroom downstairs if necessary can prevent your loved one from straining or becoming injured.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Windermere, Prestige Home Care is here to help. 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.
Schedule Regular Blood Tests
Your loved one may receive anticoagulants to prevent blood clots and facilitate a quicker recovery. Seniors with diminished blood flow to the brain may experience recurrent strokes, but regular blood tests can determine if your loved one’s circulation is normal.
Implement a Healthy Diet
Eating the right foods can help your loved one control high blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of having another stroke. Your parent should avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as butter, cheese, and red meat, as well as foods high in sodium, such as salted nuts and cured meats.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Prestige Home Care, a trusted provider of at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Spend Time with Your Loved One
Having a stroke can leave your loved one feeling isolated and alone, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of dementia, but you can help him or her avoid these feelings by spending some quality time together. Caregivers can provide the emotional support and companionship senior stroke survivors need. Since quality care is key to a smooth recovery and preventing future strokes, make sure your loved one has the right support system.
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. Prestige Home Care, 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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155 to schedule a free in-home consultation.