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Stroke is the primary cause of serious, long-term disability in adults in the United States. It occurs when an area of the brain is deprived of blood flow. Causes may vary, but most frequently blood vessels are blocked by a clot or narrowed to the extent that blood can no longer pass through. Another origin could be a blood vessel that has burst and leaks into the brain causing damage.
Warning signs of Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking or swallowing, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Elderly Care Tips for Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
People who survive strokes are often at a loss as to what to do in the simplest situations. Things that were familiar can now be bewildering; words can lose their meaning; and everyday tasks can be overwhelming.
- Safety is the top priority--dangerous objects need to be moved out of reach
- If the stroke survivor has difficulty completing a task, try to break it down into small segments
- If the stroke survivor cannot comprehend what you are saying, use facial expressions and gestures to communicate as much as possible
- Speak in simple sentences that express one idea. Rather than saying, "Let's go outside for a walk" first say, "Let's go outside," and then say "Let's go for a walk."
- When possible, ask questions that take a yes or no response if the stroke survivor can speak but is impaired.
- Stress is a direct result of caring for a disabled stroke survivor. The family system and how family members relate to each other change. Finding opportunities to break your routine and seeking help from other competent hands is essential to effective caregiving.
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