As seniors age, they encounter more health risks, including strokes, which are a leading cause of death and disability. Therefore, family caregivers should learn more about factors that can lead to strokes in older adults and the most common signs to look for. Understanding and learning about the symptoms of a stroke allows your family to develop prevention tips for your senior loved one.
Poor Balance
The brain is responsible for the ability to move around. It coordinates with the eyes and the inner ears’ balance system to ensure movement isn’t compromised. A stroke makes it difficult for the brain to coordinate information and control the muscles and joints. As a result, your loved one may experience unsteadiness and lack of coordination, increasing the risk of falling or needing to lean on furniture, walls, and other items to maintain balance.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Difficulty Speaking
The left side of the brain controls language and speech. Therefore, if your loved one is experiencing a stroke, his or her speaking could be disrupted, and he or she may be unable to pronounce words correctly. Your loved one may have difficulty carrying on conversations. You need to monitor your loved one’s speaking habits and seek medical attention immediately if you see any of these signs instead of labeling speaking issues as a part of the aging process.
Strokes are just one of the many medical conditions older adults are susceptible to. 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 manage if their families opt for professional Home Care services. Pearland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Eating Challenges
Muscle weakness and numbness are common for seniors having strokes. As a result, they’ll have difficulty chewing and swallowing. If your loved one has difficulty eating or starts drooling, choking, or coughing while he or she is eating, this could be a sign of a stroke.
A stroke affects the brain stem and can damage the nerves and muscles that coordinate swallowing. During recovery, eating functions may take days, weeks, or months to return. Sometimes the issues are permanent. Regardless, alternative feeding options are necessary to ensure your loved one continues to get healthy nutrition.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes in older adults. Treating this problem could lower your loved one’s odds of stroke and heart disease. If your parent feels dizzy, has severe headaches, or experiences blurred vision, it could be due to high blood pressure, and he or she could be experiencing a stroke. If your loved one has any of these symptoms, it’s best to call for medical assistance immediately.
Recovering from a stroke can make it difficult for seniors to manage daily tasks independently. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Pearland in-home 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 caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. Call us today at (281) 809-7342 to learn more about our customized care plans.
