Almost 800,000 Americans have strokes every year, and the vast majority of those individuals are over the age of 65. If your aging loved one recently had a stroke, you should spend some time researching exactly what takes place during one of these cardiovascular events. With a little bit of research and a solid treatment plan, your loved one could be back on his or her feet before you know it.
Types of Strokes
Many people don’t realize there are a few different types of strokes. The most common type of stroke is known as an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the main arteries leading to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes aren’t quite as common as ischemic strokes, but they can be just as devastating. These strokes are the result of burst blood vessels, and they often cause long-term damage. The last type of stroke is known as a transient ischemic stroke, or mini-stroke, and it isn’t as dangerous as a full ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Stroke survivors who recover at home often need help with the everyday tasks of life. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Left Brain Stroke
After a stroke occurs, the medical team will immediately try to figure out which part of the brain has been damaged. If the stroke took place in the left side of the brain, the right side of the body generally becomes paralyzed. The left side of the brain is also responsible for verbal skills, and the senior might have a difficult time speaking or following conversations. Memory loss is another common symptom of a left brain stroke. To treat verbal and cognitive issues, seniors must usually undergo speech therapy multiple times a week and perform exercises that boost their memory.
The effects of a stroke can make it difficult for a senior to live at home safely without a caregiver close by at all times. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Philadelphia 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 live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Right Brain Stroke
A right brain stroke is very similar to a left brain stroke, but the left side of the body is impacted instead. During the initial stages of the stroke, a senior might feel as if the left side of his or her body is heavy or tingling. Following the event, there could be quite a few problems with vision, including visual field loss, double vision, visual hallucinations, and general blurriness. One of the best ways to treat these conditions is to undergo computer-based visual therapy. During these therapy sessions, seniors perform exercises that strengthen and retrain the eye muscles.
Boosting Brain Health After a Stroke
As soon as you notice the signs of a stroke, you must take your loved one to the emergency room. If your loved one makes it to the hospital right away, the medical team might be able to administer medications that prevent long-term brain damage. Once your loved one has been stabilized, he or she must immediately begin therapy. In addition to meeting with speech pathologists, many seniors also benefit from working with occupational therapists. Stroke survivors who want to boost their brain health should also stick to a healthy diet and stay as active as possible.
A senior stroke survivor may need very specialized care from a professional caregiver with experience in providing support during stroke recovery. When researching agencies that provide senior home care, Philadelphia, PA, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance. Call one of our Care Managers at (215) 645-4663 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.