Although strokes are commonly associated with aging, the truth is that strokes can happen to anyone at any point in time. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke affects millions of individuals every year and is the leading cause of adult disability. Like many other medical issues, the severity of a stroke can vary. The follow-up care provided to an individual who has been affected by stroke is determined by how much daily assistance they will need. Victims of minor strokes may not require comprehensive assistance, but strokes can result in permanent, life-altering disabilities such as paralysis of one side of the body. Individuals who are managing a serious disability as the result of a stroke will require more involved, “hands-on” support. In-home care for stroke patients can help stroke victims to more easily maintain their daily routine while remaining in the setting that they are familiar with.
What Is a Stroke?
Some research has shown that a stroke can happen in the U.S. once every 40 seconds, with close to a million new or recurring episodes experienced each year. A stroke occurs when the necessary supply of oxygen is cut off from the brain, causing the cells in the brain to die off at a rapid rate. The long-term effects of a stroke will depend on how long the oxygen was cut off from the brain and how much damage was done to the brain. The two main types of strokes are called hemorrhagic and ischemic.
As previously mentioned, the resulting effects of a stroke also vastly differ depending on how severe the stroke was. There can be simple and non-debilitating symptoms which manifest as a numbness or tingling in an arm or leg. Or, more significant complications can accompany a severe stroke such as permanent paralysis down one side of the body, no longer being able to speak, and other serious disabilities.
In-home Care for Stroke Patients
In-home care professionals can assist individuals who have suffered from stroke with successfully completing the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs include the most vital daily tasks that an individual needs to be able to safely complete in order to have a good quality of life.
In-home care for adult stroke patients can fall under the category of in-home care for adults with disabilities, but is specifically designed to help individuals who have suffered from stroke manage life post-stroke. In-home care for stroke patients helps individuals to complete the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and take over certain Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) in some cases. ADLs include the most vital daily tasks that an individual needs to be able to safely complete in order to have a good quality of life. For example, an individual who has been left with paralysis to one side of their body will require assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing and personal hygiene. Although an in-home care professional provides friendly social interaction, it is not designed to provide professional support with psychological or spiritual needs.
Respecting the Individual
Unlike some medical issues such as Dementia, individuals who have suffered from stroke may have not cognitive issues. This needs to be taken into consideration when care is provided, especially when they first begin to receive care. Although. personal hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth and combing hair may be too difficult for a stroke patient to accomplish without assistance, it is important to acknowledge the individual’s preferences. Safely completing more in-depth tasks such as bathing may require very involved support, especially in situations where an individual is struggling with any form of paralysis. But even when comprehensive assistance is required, it is essential to remember that receiving support from in-home care can be a significant adjustment.
Not only are these activities important for personal hygiene, but they can also promote a sense of self-worth and confidence. An in-home care professional is able to assist with these key components of care without making the individual feel uncomfortable or helpless. Soon enough, individuals who have suffered from stroke will become used to their routine, in addition to the support they receive from their friendly in-home care professional.
Contact Comfort Home Care Today
Managing life post-stroke can be a challenging task for everyone involved. Although nobody wants to watch a loved one struggle with the long-term effects of a stroke, it is important to remember that in-home care for stroke patients is available to provide support. Our well-trained and knowledgeable in-home care professionals can help to prepare individuals and families for the tasks that lie ahead. Our complimentary in-home care evaluations can help to determine how much care will be needed to ensure comfort and safety. To learn more about the benefits of in-home care for stroke patients, download one of our useful guides or contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
