Most strokes occur in adults 65 and older, according to statistics reported by the CDC. Older adults also have a higher risk of having a reduced quality of life after a stroke than what’s common with younger stroke survivors. This is just one of the reasons it’s important to identify stroke symptoms immediately if you’re caring for a senior loved one. Here are some other reasons symptom identification is so essential.
Disrupting Blood Flow Can Affect an Aging Brain
A stroke is essentially a disruption of the blood supply to the brain. This is dangerous for any human but even more so for seniors, because an aging brain is already typically affected by other common age-related processes that could be accelerated once blood flow is interrupted. If symptoms aren’t detected immediately, the resulting damage could be more impactful.
The extent of this potential impact will depend on which part of the brain is affected. For instance, cognitive abilities may be significantly reduced if the frontal lobe, which controls higher cognitive skills, is affected.
Strokes and other serious health issues can make it challenging for older adults to accomplish daily tasks. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Stroke Survival Rates Increase when Treatment Occurs ASAP
The central nervous system is immediately affected by what happens in the brain because of a stroke. Since the central nervous system controls all the body’s functions, acting quickly once you notice stroke symptoms boosts your loved one’s odds of surviving a stroke.
Odds of Recovery Increase with Prompt Medical Attention
Johns Hopkins Medicine points out that stroke rehabilitation tends to be more beneficial and successful if it’s started as soon as possible. This is more likely to be the case for your loved one if you notice symptoms quickly so initial treatment can get started. Once a proper evaluation has been done, plans for rehab and recovery can be made and implemented.
Small Strokes Can Occur before Bigger Ones
According to Mayo Clinic, “mini-strokes,” or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), can occur before a more significant stroke as a warning of sorts. Symptoms of TIAs to look out for include:
• Facial numbness or paralysis
• Garbled or slurred speech
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Vision issues in one or both eyes
A mini-stroke can occur days or even hours before a more significant stroke occurs, which is why you’ll want to act quickly if you’re seeing signs of a mini-stroke in your loved one. Doing so allows your loved one to be properly treated and monitored. Medications may also be used to reduce the risk of experiencing a major stroke after a mini-stroke has occurred.
Professional in-home caregivers can provide timely medication reminders and assist with several other important tasks. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Lincoln, CA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke
You’ll be more likely to act quickly if you know the symptoms to look out for when caring for your loved one. The American Stroke Association suggests keeping the acronym F.A.S.T. in mind:
• F – Face drooping
• A – Arm weakness
• S – Slurred speech
• T – Time to call 911 if you’re noticing the other symptoms above
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Lincoln live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.