When your senior loved one comes home from the hospital to recover from a stroke, it’s important to provide him or her with high-quality home care. An unhealthy recovery could lead to severe brain damage, a second stroke, and other serious medical concerns. Here are a few tips to help you facilitate the process.
1. Secure the Home
The risk of falling may increase after a stroke. Make sure the house is safe once your loved one comes home from the hospital. Falls can lead to serious medical issues, including fractures or severe bleeding and bruising. Clear the walkways in the home, remove clutter from all of the rooms, and make sure the floors aren’t slippery. You should also remove all rugs or keep them secure.
2. Serve Nutritious Meals
Many senior stroke survivors also live with diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension. Prepare healthy meals for your loved one, including snacks he or she can eat throughout the day. This can help your loved one maintain a healthy diet and prevent medical conditions like the ones mentioned above. Foods high in fiber and lean protein and low in salt and fat are healthy choices, and your loved one should also avoid eating processed foods throughout the recovery process.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional Elderly Care. Portland, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
3. Make Daily Tasks Easier
Your loved one will want to continue doing some basic tasks independently, which may include bathing and dressing. You can install benches and grab bars in the shower to make bathing easier and safer to do without assistance. Shoes made with elastic laces or Velcro may be easier to slip on and off, and shirts made with Velcro closures or snaps may be easier to put on compared to those with buttons. Buying pants with elastic waistbands can make getting dressed easier and make clothing more comfortable to wear during recovery.
Caregivers who specialize in stroke recovery will have the necessary knowledge and experience to help your loved one receive high-quality care at home. Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
4. Encourage Physical Activity
Staying physical can help your loved one maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial after experiencing a stroke. Moderate activity approved by a doctor can release positive endorphins into the body and reduce stress, which is a major risk factor for a second stroke.
5. Hire a Stroke Caregiver
Professional caregivers who specialize in stroke recovery will have the necessary knowledge and experience to help your loved one receive high-quality care at home. A home caregiver can ensure your loved one receives medication reminders on time, provide transportation to rehabilitation appointments, assist with personal care and hygiene, and help your loved one maintain the ability to function physically.
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. Portland, OR, senior care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a professional caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us today.
