Tips for Recognizing & Responding to Strokes

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States as well as a leading cause of disability in adults. However, if stroke symptoms are recognized and attended to quickly, the damage can be greatly reduced. Strokes are one of the most serious health issues in older adults. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Caregivers and their loved ones should be familiar with stroke symptoms and know who to call and what to do to minimize long-term damage and prevent death.

Identifying Stroke Symptoms

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which leads to brain cell death due to lack of oxygen. The symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (often on just one side of the body)

• Confusion, slurring words, or talking nonsense

• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes

• Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If your loved one has health conditions that increase his or her stroke risk, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elder care Des Moines seniors can trust and rely on.

What to Do in the Event of a Stroke

If you notice your loved one experiencing any of the above symptoms, immediately call 911. Don’t wait to see if he or she gets better. While you wait for help, stay with your loved one and try to keep him or her still to prevent further injury. Here are some things to do while waiting for an ambulance. If your loved one is conscious:

• Lay your parent down on his or her side with the head slightly raised and supported

• Don’t give him or her anything to eat or drink

• Loosen restrictive clothing
• Support any weak limbs

If your parent is unconscious:

• Check his or her breathing and pulse

• Put your loved one on his or her side

• Begin CPR if there’s no pulse or he or she has stopped breathing
• Stay on the phone with the ambulance dispatcher for assistance

Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Des Moines, IA, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (515) 264-2438.