Did you know that each person’s risk of stroke almost doubles every decade after age 55? Caregivers and seniors must be aware of this potentially fatal condition. These stroke basics will arm you with valuable knowledge about the risk factors associated with stroke and what to do in the event of a stroke. We encourage you to explore The American Stroke Association website which also shares facts, tips, and other important info to help individuals prevent strokes and respond to strokes in the best way possible.
What You Need To Know About Strokes
What Is A Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. The cells in the brain that do not receive oxygen via this blood flow will die. These dead cells in the brain can no longer operate, meaning whatever functions they performed prior are damaged or lost.
There are two types of strokes:
• A hemorrhagic stroke is when a brain aneurysm bursts or a blood vessel in the brain leaks • An ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. • Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are “mini-strokes,” when brain blood flow stops only briefly. These are caused by blood clots.
Who Is At Greatest Risk Of Stroke?
Some stroke risk factors are not preventable. For example, the risk of stroke increases with age, especially after age 55. Women are more likely to stroke than men, and African Americans are at higher risk than Caucasians. Other risk factors can be managed, reduced, or prevented entirely. For instance, Individuals with blood and circulatory diseases, like diabetes or arterial disease, are at greater risk. Those with unhealthy lifestyles, especially obesity or lack of exercise, are also more likely to have a stroke.
How Are Strokes Treated?
Doctors must diagnose and treat strokes quickly to reduce the impact of the stroke and potentially save a life. The medication used to treat stroke immediately, tissue plasminogen activator, (or Alteplase IV r-tPA) must be administered within 3 hours of a stroke. Physical treatment to remove clots can also be performed.
What Happens After A Stroke?
Recovery from a stroke is lifelong because brain cells have died. Disabilities caused by strokes depend on the part of the brain affected. Many individuals lose partial use of a limb, elements of speech, or portions of their memory. Therapies are often prescribed for months or years to help individuals adapt to disabilities caused by strokes. (Stroke.org)
Post Health Event Care
Caregivers by WholeCare offer comprehensive Post Health Event Care for those who have suffered strokes, cancer treatment, as well as in and outpatient surgeries. We have caregivers trained to help with post-stroke recovery both long-term and short-term. We offer free consultations for in-home care to help you and your family make the best caregiving choices.
SOME AREAS WHERE IN-HOME CAREGIVERS CAN HELP AFTER A STROKE INCLUDE:
Medication reminders
Meal preparation and clean-up
Light housekeeping
Transportation to and from medical appointments
Errands
Hygiene assistance
Help dressing/undressing
Transferring (getting into and out of bed, chairs, wheelchairs)
SIGNS OF A STROKE AND WHAT TO DO
An Easy Way To Remember The Signs Of A Stroke Is The Acronym F-A -S-T:
F: Face Drooping: Does One Side Of The Face Droop Or Is It Numb? Ask The Person To Smile.
A: Arm Weakness: Is One Arm Weak Or Numb? Ask The Person To Raise Both Arms. Does One Arm Drift Downward?
S: Speech Difficulty: Is Speech Slurred, Are They Unable To Speak, Or Are They Hard To Understand? Ask The Person To Repeat A Simple Sentence Like, “The Sky Is Blue.” Is The Sentence Repeated Correctly?
T: Time To Call 9-1-1: If The Person Shows Any Of These Symptoms, Even If The Symptoms Go Away, Call 9-1-1 And Get Them To The Hospital Immediately.
Home Care Tip:
Many people do not realize that strokes are preventable. Educate seniors about stroke basics and the risk factors they can control to reduce their risk of stroke.