Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience strokes, and a considerable majority of those are aging adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, many families find themselves trying to manage the care of senior stroke survivors. How can families support older loved ones who have had strokes?
Evaluate the Home
Depending on your loved one’s current abilities, you may need to make modifications to the home to promote mobility and independence. Remove tripping hazards and clutter, and clear the hallways to ensure safe pathways for walking. You may also want to install grab bars in bathrooms and additional lighting in various areas to make sure your loved one can navigate the home safely.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Provide Around-the-Clock Care
Your loved one will likely need assistance with activities of daily living and personal care following a stroke. You may need to take time away from work or other obligations to provide consistent care that meets your loved one’s new needs. While 24/7 care may be required immediately after the stroke, you should also plan to check in a few times each week during your parent’s recovery. If your schedule doesn’t enable you to do this, hire a trained professional home caregiver.
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. Fort Lauderdale, FL, senior care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of an around-the-clock caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
Offer Consistent Contact
Family members should do their best to maintain consistent contact with their loved one after he or she has had a stroke. For example, establish a specific schedule of phone calls to serve as check-ins. Of course, this alone isn’t a foolproof means of protecting your parent from the risk of a future stroke, but it can enhance your loved one’s comfort level.
Eliminate Fear
What many families unintentionally overlook is the fact that a senior who survives a stroke often experiences ongoing fear. Your loved one may have an unshakeable fear of experiencing another stroke or be afraid of not getting prompt medical attention. Being there to provide your parent with companionship promotes feelings of safety.
Consider getting additional help from a caregiver. Your loved one can enjoy the company and assistance of a compassionate, reliable caregiver who can keep your parent safe and comfortable when you’re not there.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Fort Lauderdale families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us at +1 754-900-5102.
