The progress of stroke recovery differs from person to person. It’s often a long process that can go on for months or even years. While there’s no magic formula, there are some effective strategies that may help your senior loved one recover from a stroke sooner.
1. Commit to Rehab
Your loved one’s physician will recommend rehab, which may include physical, occupational, speech, and perhaps cognitive therapy to speed recovery. Rehabilitation programs may be started within a couple of days after the stroke and continue after your loved one goes home.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one follow a therapy plan safely during recovery. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton elder care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
2. Treat Depression
It’s not unusual for stroke survivors to experience depression, and their recovery progress may slow as a result. If your loved one is depressed, seek treatment from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Once depression is effectively treated, your loved one may be better prepared to actively participate in a stroke recovery treatment plan.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutritional therapy can also speed recovery after a stroke. Many foods can have some of the same health benefits as medications, and while your loved one should never avoid taking his or her prescriptions, healthy foods should be used to augment the stroke treatment plan. For example, eating a diet rich in fresh seafood promotes circulation to the brain, lowers blood pressure, enhances vascular health, and boosts mood. Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Edmonton live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
4. Enjoy High-Quality Sleep
You may be concerned about how much your loved one sleeps after the stroke. Sleep requirements change after strokes, which usually results in sleeping more. This is normal and may even provide health benefits. High-quality sleep relieves pain and may help your loved one tolerate physical and occupational therapy better. It can also boost cognitive function while preventing anxiety and depression. When your loved one is well rested and refreshed, he or she may enjoy a quicker stroke recovery. If your loved one has difficulty falling asleep or awakens multiple times during the night, talk to the neurologist, as this may be a sign of a cerebral or neurological complication.
5. Stay Social
It’s important that your loved one remain social even while recovering from a stroke. Maintaining meaningful relationships is vital to the healing process, and even if your loved one is unable to leave the home to socialize, make sure you invite people in so he or she doesn’t feel socially isolated. While socializing is important, make sure to monitor your loved one’s response to visitors. If he or she appears tired, agitated, or weak, ask the visitors to leave and return another time. Once your loved one has further progressed with recovery, visits from friends and family may be received more favorably, as he or she will be able to tolerate the increased activity better.
Homecare agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.