After having strokes, seniors often need to rely on their family members for help at home. Although every senior’s post-stroke symptoms are different, these tips will help you care for your elderly loved one and ensure he or she has a good chance for a healthy recovery.
1. Understand the Aftercare Instructions
Before leaving the hospital, your loved one will be given a set of instructions regarding recovery and follow-up care. Ask to have these instructions in writing so they can be referred to later. Additionally, it’s important to ask questions about any instructions you don’t understand and about ways you can provide the right care for your loved one. Don’t hesitate to call a member of the medical team if questions arise after your loved one is home.
2. Set Up a Recovery Room
When your loved one first arrives home, he or she will likely have limited functioning. For this reason, it’s best to designate one main area of the home for your loved one’s recovery. Make sure it has a comfortable bed and easy access to the restroom. This way, your loved one can limit movement until regaining his or her abilities.
When recovering from a stroke, your loved one is likely to need some assistance around the house. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, 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.
3. Provide Assistance with Daily Tasks
Getting dressed, preparing meals, and bathing are important things that must be done each day. However, your loved one may not be capable of handling these tasks alone. A caregiver can provide professional help with your loved one’s daily routine while he or she works toward regaining independence.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Milwaukee Home Care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
4. Eliminate Fall Hazards
Following a stroke, your loved one may walk with a shuffling gait that increases the risk of falling. Remove any rugs, pet toys, and cords that can cause him or her to trip. In the restroom, add nonskid mats and place any hygiene items your loved one needs within easy reach. Since fall-related injuries are one of the primary causes of hospital readmissions, this is an important part of doing all you can to ensure your loved one’s wellbeing.
5. Practice Clear Communication
Strokes cause lesions in the brain that can affect the ability to think and speak clearly. Certain prescription medications can also have confusion and muddled thinking as side effects. During your loved one’s recovery, plan for extra time to talk. Use short, clear sentences and body language to enhance verbal communication.
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. Milwaukee, WI, 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. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today at (262) 228-4467 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
