Tips on Increasing Safety for Older Adults During Stroke Recovery

By 9  am on

Stroke Recovery Tips for Seniors in Edmonton, AB

Senior stroke survivors often experience changes in their physical and mental functioning that can impact their overall health. While your senior loved one will be given a list of discharge instructions, it still helps to know how to make the home environment safe as he or she recovers. Use these tips shared by the providers of home care Edmonton  families trust, to make your loved one’s stroke recovery safer so he or she can have the best chances for regaining independence.

Watch for Signs of Medication Side Effects

Seniors are frequently prescribed medications to prevent a secondary stroke and treat lingering symptoms such as pain from a fall that occurred during the initial stoke. Always find out about the side effects associated with new medications so you can take preventative action. For instance, your loved one may need help driving if he or she is prescribed a medication known to cause drowsiness.

Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Edmonton seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Prevent Depression

Your loved one’s emotional health can impact his or her ability to comply with the prescribed treatment plan. However, injuries to the brain from the stroke combined with reduced social interaction can lead stroke survivors to develop depression that hinders their recovery. Surround your loved one with sources of support such as a professional caregiver who can lift his or her spirits and provide encouragement to continue working through the treatment plan.

Provide Assistance with Daily Tasks

The lingering effects of a stroke can affect the ability to perform many basic functions that must be done each day. Identify your loved one’s new challenges and find ways to help until he or she grows stronger. For example, your loved one may need help getting in and out of bed if he or she faces limited mobility. Alternatively, he or she may need help with meal preparation to ensure food is easy to chew and swallow.

Senior stroke survivors may need help with a variety of tasks. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Edmonton, Alberta, respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.

Create Clear Walking Paths

Until regaining mobility, your loved one is at greater risk for falling, especially if he or she has impaired balance. Walk through your loved one’s house and check for potential fall hazards such as furniture in the walkway, and make sure it is clear and well-lit so your loved one is less likely to experience a fall-related injury.

Offer Mobility Aids

Using assistive devices such as walkers and canes can help your loved one build muscle strength and core balance. Keep in mind these mobility aids do take some time to get used to, so make sure your loved one has someone nearby to support him or her if necessary. This way, your loved one can focus on recovery while preventing further injuries.

Strokes are just one of the many serious health issues older adults are susceptible to. 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, an in-home care provider Edmonton, Alberta, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG



    Request Free Information or
    Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation