How to Recover from Strokes at Home

Stroke recovery tends to take time. Even after leaving the hospital or rehab facility, seniors may experience weakness or paralysis in their arms or legs, making self-care and safely living independently even more difficult.

While there are many things they can do on their own, other tasks may require some assistance. A non-medical in-home caregiver can provide the necessary support to seniors recovering from a stroke. Here are some steps to implement to prevent strokes in seniors.

• Navigating the Home

Following a stroke, older adults may need to use a wheelchair, walker, or cane for stability. Transitioning from sitting to standing or vice versa can be challenging due to muscle weakness or paralysis. A caregiver can help seniors with mobility issues to reduce the risk of falls.

This may include rearranging furniture to create wider walkways or easier access. The caregiver can help reposition regularly used items to lower shelves or tables to make them accessible for them, thus, minimizing the need to reach or stretch. In-home care can also provide light housekeeping to keep the home clean, organized, and clutter-free.

Moreover, you can also add grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet to improve stability when getting in and out or up and down, especially when surfaces are wet. Using non-slip mats and rugs throughout the house can enhance safety as well.

• Personal Care

Due to limited mobility or weakness, it may be difficult for seniors to get dressed or undressed, brush their hair, or get in or out of bed. A caregiver can assist with these tasks to keep seniors looking and feeling their best while reducing their falling risk.

In addition, they can remind seniors recovering from a stroke when it is time to take their medication, complete recommended exercises, or get ready for medical appointments related to follow-up care.

• Meal Preparation

After a stroke, older adults may have some dietary restrictions. An in-home caregiver can work with them to create a meal plan, shop for and put away groceries, prepare food, and supervise them while eating. Proper nutrition is vital for recovery and keeping up their strength. In addition, they also make sure seniors are not eating unsafe foods that may pose a choking hazard.

• Increased Awareness

While non-medical caregivers do not perform medical care, they can be on alert for signs of complications or another stroke. Seniors who have had one stroke are at increased risk of having another. Catching warning signs early and getting help can reduce the risk of even more critical issues. For this, a caregiver can also be alert for potential dangers and fall risks within the home to keep seniors safer as they recover from a stroke.

Contact Always Best Care (East Bay) today at (925) 210-0323 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how non-medical in-home care can benefit seniors following a stroke and allow them to continue aging in place more safely and comfortably.