A large percentage of strokes impact older adults, especially individuals in their 60s, and the odds increase rapidly as seniors continue to age. Knowing more about strokes may help the elderly and their loved ones understand the steps to take for prevention. There are three main types of strokes, and their causes will vary, as will the ways to reduce the risk and maintain good blood circulation and other factors.
1. Ischemic
Blood clots are often the top cause of this type of stroke, but prompt medical attention and treatment may lower the odds of death or recurrent strokes. If your senior loved one experiences an ischemic stroke, the blood supply to the brain has been interrupted or reduced significantly. When this happens, brain tissues cannot get the oxygen and nutrients necessary, so they die as a result.
Early warning signs your loved one is experiencing an ischemic stroke include sudden headaches, difficulty walking and maintaining balance, slurred speech, and difficulty comprehending what others are saying. One side of the mouth may also droop, alerting family members to get medical assistance immediately.
Stroke survivors who recover at home often need help with the everyday tasks of life. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers may assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
2. Hemorrhagic
When an artery begins to bleed into the brain, it pressures the organ and surrounding areas. Once the brain is deprived of blood, its tissues are damaged, and the situation may be life-threatening. Each stroke is different, but the most common symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke include difficulty seeing with one or both eyes. Sudden confusion is also a sign of this stroke, along with dizziness. Although most of the symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke are similar to those of other types, other symptoms are not, such as vomiting, raised blood pressure levels, and neck stiffness.
For many stroke survivors, recovering at home without a caregiver close by at all times is difficult. Certain age-related conditions may make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Columbus elderly home 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 may trust the professional live-in caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.
3. Transient Ischemic
Another name for this is a mini-stroke, as it generally lasts for a few minutes. It’s caused by a brief blockage of blood to the brain. Some of the symptoms may last for up to 24 hours and are similar to the symptoms of other types of strokes, so you should immediately take your loved one to the hospital. Difficulty walking, speech issues, challenges understanding others, lack of physical coordination, and numbness on one side of the body are often the most recognizable symptoms of a transient ischemic stroke. If your loved one experiences this medical issue, it may be a warning sign of a more severe stroke. Therefore, you should develop a plan to reduce your loved one’s risk and boost his or her health.
4. Stroke Prevention Tips
The risk factors for these medical emergencies include age and family history. Regardless of the type of stroke, there are steps family caregivers may help their loved ones take to reduce the risk. Maintaining adequate blood pressure levels is a good start because it prevents the artery walls from thickening and causing cholesterol and fats to build up, forming plaques. Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer and liquor could also lower the risk of a stroke. Your loved one should also maintain good sleeping habits to boost his or her brain health and blood circulation.
A senior stroke survivor often needs very specialized care from someone with experience in providing support during stroke recovery. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that may make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face may be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Columbus families may rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team at 614-678-5887 today.
