4 Helpful Tips For Helping A Senior Recover From A Stroke
Posted on: 24 March 2015
A stroke occurs when blood flow to your brain stops and can lead to permanent disability if it is not treated right away. Although a stroke can happen at any age, it is more common in the elderly. According to the American Stroke Association, the risk of suffering a stroke doubles for each decade after age 55. If your elderly loved one recently suffered a stroke, you can help him get better. Here are four helpful tips for helping a senior recover from a stroke.
Make Proper Home Modifications
One of the first things you should do is make the proper modifications in your senior family member's home. A stroke can hinder a person's balance and flexibility, increasing the risk of falls. One way to make things easier is to push large pieces of furniture in the living room against the wall. If they are in the middle of the room, your elderly loved one will be a lot more likely to trip over them. It is also important to install modifications in the bathroom such as grab bars and shower seats.
Hire a Home Care Worker
If you do not have enough time to take care of your elderly loved one every day, you should think about hiring a home care worker. One of these senior care in-house workers will come to your senior family member's home every day to help him with his daily tasks such as doing laundry, cooking dinner and cleaning the house.
Encourage Your Loved One to Exercise
Exercise is probably the last thing on a stroke survivor's mind. However, regular exercise can prevent a second stroke, so you should encourage your elderly loved one to stay active. Exercise decreases the risk of another stroke by reducing cholesterol, fighting high blood pressure and controlling weight. Aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, would be great for your senior family member.
Recognize Signs of Depression
Biochemical changes can occur in the brain after a stroke, increasing a survivor's risk of depression. That is why it is very important to recognize signs of depressions such as moodiness, irritability, hopelessness and loss of energy. Since depression can prolong the stroke recovery process, it is vital to take your senior family member to seek treatment.
Recovering from a stroke can be a challenge, but it can be done. If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your senior family member recover from a stroke and live a fulfilling life.
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