How To Help An Elderly Loved One Recover From Stroke
When an elderly loved one suffers from a stroke, the recovery process is often the hardest not only for the individual who experiences a stroke but also for the people who care for them. This transition period will require creating a new outlook on your priorities, care, and routine.
It is painful for the family and the community to see a loved one go through a series of emotional and physical changes. As a family member, your role is to understand the research which surrounds stroke rehabilitation. It is one way to provide hope to stroke sufferers. There are stages of rehabilitation that you need to be aware of.
A physical therapist will start by studying the different phases of the motor function of stroke survivors. Experts have a roadmap so they will know the processes that rehabilitation may entail. It is also a way for the physical therapist to layout a healing and rehabilitation plan which is suitable for the patient’s needs.
Muscle weakness is often associated with stroke. Even if a physician found muscles to be healthy, rehabilitation will still be necessary due to the interruption in the neurological connection. Without considering physical therapy, elderly patients’ unused muscles will eventually lose their tone.
Table of Contents
What family members need to know about stroke recovery
It is difficult for your loved one to deal with stroke, but as a survivor, they need to be aware of the possibility that it might reoccur. Awareness can prevent the second occurrence of stroke.
Immediate Prevention
An elderly stroke survivor will be on the right path by following practices that will reduce or eliminate the risk of a second stroke. Unfortunately, 40% of stroke survivors have experienced stroke for the second time because of not paying heed to their physical symptoms. The family of a stroke survivor needs to be sympathetic, especially when dealing with depression, confusion, and trauma that the elderly patient undergoes.
Without a doubt, stroke can be a frightening experience. The damage can cause many changes to the patient. There can be mental and physical exhaustion while still on the recovery process. Organizing a plan will help them move forward. Ongoing motivation will play a crucial role in moving through different stages of rehabilitation. Another stroke can be prevented by paying attention to whole body symptoms and following the doctor’s recommendations.
Rehabilitate patient as soon as possible
Without consistent movement, an elderly loved one who experienced a stroke is most likely to suffer from the after-effects of such condition. It is not only the physical aspect that will be affected but the emotional and mental issues as well. Stroke can cause a patient’s brain to lose connection.
With consistent movement, these lost connections will become active and wired again. During the rehabilitation process, the patient needs to practice independently. There are also certain areas that they need to focus on like the hands or feet. These are the commonly affected areas, which is why they need to rebuild its function with the help of repetition of movements.
Help an elderly communicate again
It is difficult for a stroke survivor to go back to their normal routine because some parts of their brain that are affected, mainly the left hemisphere, can make it difficult for them to speak. This experience can be quite frustrating for them not only because they have trouble expressing their ideas, but also because the receiver will also have a hard time understanding them.
Although stroke results in difficulty communicating and speaking, the illness does not affect any level of the patient’s intelligence. Stroke only blocks the brain’s pathway to language. A loved one with a stroke can feel frustrated and what you can do is to simplify the ways for them to communicate effectively. You can use images, symbols or simple phrases so they can thoroughly understand. Find a system that will work for your loved one. A Speech-Language Pathologist will also be helpful in the recovery process by strengthening the brain-body connection.
With the right approach and a trusted in home care giver San Antonio, a stroke survivor can fully recover from the condition. However, you should also keep in mind that it can be a long journey, but the path towards recovery is going to be clear. There are medical advancements that provide patients with ample support during the healing stages. The support that your elderly loved one gets from you is also important in their journey into returning to independence.
