Hire Home Health Care to Aid With Stroke Recovery

By Blen Abraham | June 6, 2022

Strokes are the fifth most common cause of death in U.S. adults. There are two types of strokes, and the most common occurs when a blood clot or plaque blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Immediate treatment of the blockage increases the chances of surviving the stroke.

After a stroke, your mom or dad will need to work with doctors, nurses, and therapists to regain function. Depending on the severity, the recovery may take weeks or months, and some people never fully regain all former function. Working with home health care specialists is an integral part of stroke recovery.

What Services Help With Stroke Recovery

Home Health Care Fairfax, VA: Stroke Recovery

During a stroke, the damage to the brain impacts motor function and control in one side of the body. If the stroke was in the right side of the brain, movements and muscle control in the left side of the body are affected. If the stroke was on the left side, the right side of the body is affected.

As a result of the loss of muscle control, your parent may need to use a walker or wheelchair until mobility returns. Speech is often affected. Lifting an arm or gripping with a hand may not be possible. Physical therapists work with your mom or dad to regain muscle control and strength.

Until your parent is mobile or has mastered using a wheelchair or walker, it can be difficult to do tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower, cleaning the home, or cooking a meal. Occupational therapists help your parent learn how to do these daily activities.

If the speech was affected, a speech therapist helps your parent learn how to communicate. All three of these vital therapies can be part of a home health care program.

Your mom or dad will need to take medications to prevent additional strokes. Blood thinners are common, but medicines may also manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. If any of these medications are given via an IV or injection, a skilled nurse can come to the home to administer them.

Seven Lifestyle Changes Reduce the Stroke Risk

Seventy percent of cardiovascular diseases like strokes are linked to poor cardiovascular health. Seven factors improve cardiovascular health, and home health care services can help with many of these.

Stop smoking
Stick to a heart-healthy diet
Maintain a healthy blood pressure
Manage your blood sugar/diabetes
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate activity every day
Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

After a stroke, home care is essential. Not only will your mom or dad need home health care services to learn how to get back to a regular daily routine, but they also must focus on changing their lifestyle to prevent another stroke.

Home health care services assist with all aspects of stroke recovery, including physical activity, nutrition, and health monitoring. Call to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Health Care in Fairfax, VA please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484

Sources:

https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2022-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2022-Stat-Update-At-a-Glance.pdf

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001052