{"id":18397,"date":"2026-10-09T15:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T15:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/?p=18397"},"modified":"2026-10-09T15:27:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T15:27:22","slug":"early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Early Warning Signs of a Stroke: What Asheville Families Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sudden change in a loved one\u2019s balance, vision, speech, or strength can be frightening. It can also be a warning sign of a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stroke is a medical emergency. If someone develops sudden stroke symptoms, <strong>call 911 immediately<\/strong>\u2014even if the symptoms seem mild or begin to improve. Do not wait for a regular doctor\u2019s appointment, contact a home care provider first, or drive the person to the hospital yourself. Emergency medical personnel can begin care and coordinate transport to an appropriate hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Asheville families, knowing what to look for can help turn uncertainty into quick action. B.E. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember several important warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-7-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Senior woman in a support harness holds parallel bars while a therapist in blue scrubs guides her during gait training.\" class=\"wp-image-18403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-7-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-7-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-7-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-7.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#Know_the_BE_FAST_Signs\" title=\"Know the B.E. F.A.S.T. Signs\">Know the B.E. F.A.S.T. Signs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#Other_Sudden_Symptoms_Matter_Too\" title=\"Other Sudden Symptoms Matter, Too\">Other Sudden Symptoms Matter, Too<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#Why_Symptoms_Should_Never_Be_Ignored-Even_if_They_Improve\" title=\"Why Symptoms Should Never Be Ignored\u2014Even if They Improve\">Why Symptoms Should Never Be Ignored\u2014Even if They Improve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#What_to_Do_While_Waiting_for_Emergency_Help\" title=\"What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Help\">What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#Prepare_Your_Family_Before_an_Emergency_Happens\" title=\"Prepare Your Family Before an Emergency Happens\">Prepare Your Family Before an Emergency Happens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#How_Always_Best_Care_of_Asheville_Can_Help_After_a_Stroke\" title=\"How Always Best Care of Asheville Can Help After a Stroke\">How Always Best Care of Asheville Can Help After a Stroke<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/early-warning-signs-of-a-stroke-what-asheville-families-should-know\/#Learn_the_Signs_and_Act_Without_Delay\" title=\"Learn the Signs and Act Without Delay\">Learn the Signs and Act Without Delay<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_the_BE_FAST_Signs\"><\/span><strong>Know the B.E. F.A.S.T. Signs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person does not need to have every symptom for a stroke to be possible. Any sudden warning sign deserves immediate attention. <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/recognizing-signs-of-a-stroke-and-how-to-respond\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use the following guide<\/a> to recognize concerns, but do not delay calling 911 to complete every check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>B \u2014 Balance Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance, or poor coordination. A loved one may unexpectedly stumble or seem unable to move steadily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not assume a sudden balance change is simply tiredness or aging. Report it to the 911 dispatcher, especially if it occurs alongside another stroke symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>E \u2014 Eye or Vision Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stroke can cause sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your loved one may describe an abrupt change in what they can see, even without eye pain. Sudden vision changes should not be dismissed or postponed until an eye appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>F \u2014 Face Drooping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop, or does the smile look uneven? They may also report numbness on one side of the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sudden facial change is a reason to call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A \u2014 Arm Weakness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Is one arm suddenly weak or numb?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stroke symptoms can also involve sudden weakness or numbness in a leg, particularly on one side of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>S \u2014 Speech Difficulty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Listen for slurred, unusual, or difficult-to-understand speech. A person may be unable to speak clearly or have trouble understanding what someone says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can ask them to repeat a simple sentence, such as, \u201cToday is a sunny day.\u201d If their speech is suddenly different, call 911.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>T \u2014 Time to Call 911<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If possible, note when symptoms began. If you do not know, share the last time the person was known to be acting normally. Do not delay the call while trying to determine the exact time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-6-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Caregiver in teal scrubs wheels a smiling senior woman out of an elevator, with her crutches resting across the wheelchair.\" class=\"wp-image-18402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-6-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-6-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-6-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-6.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Sudden_Symptoms_Matter_Too\"><\/span><strong>Other Sudden Symptoms Matter, Too<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">B.E. F.A.S.T. is a useful reminder, but it does not cover every possible stroke symptom. Other warning signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A sudden severe headache with no known cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call 911 if these symptoms occur. Do not wait for facial drooping or arm weakness to appear before taking action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-5-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Always Best Care caregiver drives a smiling senior woman, and they chat and laugh in the front seats of a car.\" class=\"wp-image-18401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-5-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-5-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-5-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-5.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Symptoms_Should_Never_Be_Ignored-Even_if_They_Improve\"><\/span><strong>Why Symptoms Should Never Be Ignored\u2014Even if They Improve<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A loved one may say they feel better after a few minutes. They may ask to rest or insist that nothing is wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms that disappear can indicate a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. Sometimes called a \u201cmini-stroke\u201d or warning stroke, a TIA still requires emergency medical attention. It can signal a risk of a subsequent stroke, potentially within hours or days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot safely determine at home whether symptoms represent a TIA, a stroke, or another condition. Call 911 even if the person\u2019s speech, balance, vision, or strength returns to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-3-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Smiling caregiver in blue scrubs holds a senior man's arm to steady him as he walks through his bright living room.\" class=\"wp-image-18399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-3-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-3-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-3-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_While_Waiting_for_Emergency_Help\"><\/span><strong>What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Help<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have called 911, follow the dispatcher\u2019s instructions. Stay with your loved one and keep them from attempting to walk or drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Helpful steps include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share the symptoms and the time they started, if known.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tell responders when the person was last known to be well if the onset is unclear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep the person safe and comfortable while waiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not give food, drinks, or medications unless emergency personnel instruct you to do so.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not give aspirin for a suspected stroke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some strokes are caused by bleeding rather than a blood clot, and aspirin can make a bleeding stroke more severe. Leave medication decisions to the emergency team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prepare_Your_Family_Before_an_Emergency_Happens\"><\/span><strong>Prepare Your Family Before an Emergency Happens<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families do not need medical training to recognize warning signs and call for help. A brief conversation with relatives, friends, and regular caregivers can make the response clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider keeping a B.E. F.A.S.T. reminder near the refrigerator or another visible place. Make sure everyone who regularly supports your loved one knows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One warning sign can be enough to call 911.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms that improve still require emergency evaluation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calling an ambulance is safer than trying to drive the person to the hospital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A home care provider or routine appointment is not a substitute for emergency care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important preparation is agreeing to act immediately rather than waiting to see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-2-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Senior man sitting on an exercise ball, stretching a resistance band while a caregiver in blue scrubs supports his shoulders.\" class=\"wp-image-18398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-2-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-2-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-2-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Stroke-2.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Always_Best_Care_of_Asheville_Can_Help_After_a_Stroke\"><\/span><strong>How Always Best Care of Asheville Can Help After a Stroke<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once emergency treatment is complete and the <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/resources\/skilled-nursing-in-asheville-elevating-stroke-recovery-outcomes-for-seniors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthcare team has established a recovery plan,<\/a> families may need help managing everyday life at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact Always Best Care of Asheville to discuss available non-medical in-home services and whether they fit your loved one\u2019s needs. Depending on the care plan and locally available services, support may include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, personal-care assistance, and help maintaining daily routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families should explain any mobility, transfer, or supervision needs so the provider can determine what assistance it can safely offer. Non-medical home care does not diagnose stroke, provide emergency treatment, or replace licensed rehabilitation services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If new stroke symptoms appear at any point during recovery, call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><strong>FAQ<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q: Does a person need to show every B.E. F.A.S.T. sign before we call 911?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A:<\/strong> No. A single sudden warning sign can be enough to suspect a stroke. Do not wait for additional symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What if the symptoms go away?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A:<\/strong> Call 911 anyway. Symptoms that disappear may indicate a TIA, which is still a medical emergency and can precede a more serious stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Should we drive our loved one to the hospital?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A:<\/strong> No. Call 911 for an ambulance. Emergency medical personnel can begin care on the way and help coordinate appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q: Should we give aspirin while waiting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A:<\/strong> No. Aspirin is not recommended for a suspected stroke because some strokes involve bleeding, which aspirin can worsen. Follow the dispatcher\u2019s instructions and leave medication decisions to emergency personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q: What if our loved one wakes up with symptoms or we do not know when they started?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A:<\/strong> Call 911 immediately. Tell responders when the person was last known to be acting normally. An uncertain start time is not a reason to wait or assume treatment cannot help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/08\/493-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"Caregiver serving water to a smiling older couple relaxing outdoors.\" class=\"wp-image-18343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/08\/493-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/08\/493-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/08\/493-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/08\/493.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_the_Signs_and_Act_Without_Delay\"><\/span><strong>Learn the Signs and Act Without Delay<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share B.E. F.A.S.T. with the people who help care for your loved one: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time to call 911. Recognizing a sudden change and responding quickly can help a person receive urgently needed care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For assistance with everyday routines after emergency treatment and discharge, contact Always Best Care of Asheville to discuss available in-home support. For suspected stroke symptoms, call 911 first\u2014never wait for a home care consultation. <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact Always Best Care of Asheville<\/a> at (828) 676-2939 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Markdown-October-2026_-Early-Warning-Signs-of-a-Stroke_-What-Asheville-Families-Should-Know.docx.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/75\/2026\/10\/Markdown-October-2026_-Early-Warning-Signs-of-a-Stroke_-What-Asheville-Families-Should-Know.docx.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Link to the markdown version of this blog.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sudden change in a loved one\u2019s balance, vision, speech, or strength can be frightening. It can also be a warning sign of a stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency. If someone develops sudden stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately\u2014even if the symptoms seem mild or begin to improve. Do not wait for a regular&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18404,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[170],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18397","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18397"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18405,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18397\/revisions\/18405"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/asheville\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}