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How to Transition from Hospital to Home After a Stroke

Do you suddenly find yourself in a position where you need to provide stroke care? The day that you or your loved one is well enough to be discharged from the hospital is a day that should fill you with happiness.

Often, this is not the case. It is frequently a day filled with anxiety. This day marks the start of a new way of life for you and the stroke survivor. Particularly severe cases may require hourly care from a professional caregiver.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to understanding stroke care at home. You’ll learn about:

Stroke survivors and caregivers
The struggles of becoming a caregiver
Preparing your home for a stroke survivor
Investing in at-home care
How to responsibly communicate with a stroke survivor
Top 7 stroke care dialogue tips
Top 10 stroke care home preparation tips
How to reorganize your kitchen and bathroom for stroke survivors
Key takeaways

Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

On the part of the survivor, they will likely be very glad to be home. No more uncomfortable beds, total lack of privacy, less than stellar food, a near-constant stream of loud noises, and having blood taken at all hours of the day and night. In many cases, after hospital or rehab discharge, people feel a lot better being in the surroundings that are familiar and comfortable to them.

For the caregiver, particularly if that caregiver happens to be a close relative of the stroke survivor, you will feel happy that your loved one is medically stable enough to come home. But stroke care may also fill you with dread. You may feel incredibly fearful that you will be unable to properly take care of your loved ones and meet their needs.

The Struggles of Becoming a Caregiver

And here is the quiet part that is rarely said out loud – you may feel resentful at suddenly having to be a caregiver. You may feel burdened and angry that your life will change forever. And you may feel ashamed that you have these feelings.

We recommend that you do not share those feelings with the stroke survivor, as they undoubtedly feel immense guilt at causing such a major disruption to everyone’s life.

You can take steps to lessen the burden and stressful decision-making concerning their transition home. Knowledge and preparation are the keys to making this transition ad smooth ad possible for both caregiver and survivor.

Stroke treatment services can restore dignity, function, and happiness.

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How to Prepare Your Home for a Stroke Survivor

Certain rooms of the house will need more attention than others. Certain spaces and rooms are more likely to cause falls because of slippery surfaces and small spaces. This hazard is typically the case concerning kitchens and bathrooms. Depending on your survivor’s unique needs after stroke treatment, modifications to their home may be necessary.

The best thing to do with home modifications is to have a home evaluation. This service generally involves a caseworker or occupational therapist trained in at-home care evaluations. They can tell you the changes or preparations needed to provide stroke treatment.

If the hospital does not recommend this service, you can certainly ask your doctor or caseworker, and they will refer you to someone who can help. Doing this will help you feel a little less overwhelmed as you will not need to make the decisions regarding modifications to the home. Someone will tell you exactly what may require modification based on the survivor’s unique needs.

Invest in At-Home Following Stroke Treatment

You may want to investigate purchasing adaptive tools as well. The cost of certain items or modifications to your home may be eligible for insurance reimbursement. You’ll have to check with the survivor’s insurance company to verify.

A wonderful online store devoted to adaptive equipment for people with disabilities is The Wright Stuff. You can find almost anything on this website, from minor items like kitchen and writing utensils to bigger items such as shower chairs, ramps, and walkers.

If your loved one suffered a severe stroke, it might be worth looking into around-the-clock senior care.

How to Responsibly Communicate with a Stroke Survivor

Before we get into specific modifications that may need to happen at your home, let’s talk about how to go about speaking to the stroke survivor. Your language toward them needs to be very empathetic.

These survivors are feeling lots of awful things right now. They are scared, and they feel guilty about burdening people. They feel lost and devastated that their life has turned upside down in a short period. If the wrong thing is said to them, it can leave the stroke survivor feeling exponentially worse. They are very fragile right now.

They may feel extremely depressed once they realize that returning to work may not be an option (it, of course, may be an option). But that is key for others to understand– realizing that they will most likely be living the rest of their life in a disabled body takes some time.

A stroke survivor rarely realizes this immediately. It takes time, sometimes months of hourly care. Keep reading to learn our best stroke treatment tips for your loved one.

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Top 7 Stroke Care Dialogue Tips

First and foremost, be patient with them! They need to re-learn many movements and functions. Please don’t add to their feelings of frustration by exhibiting impatience with them.
Never say, “Do you know how much I’ve done for you?” This statement will dramatically increase the feelings of guilt that they are already feeling.
They will likely need to sleep quite a lot. Extra sleep is very normal after a brain injury, and the fatigue can last years. It is not a sign of laziness.
If they do not feel up to attending a social event, try not to make them feel bad about it.
Please never say, “you’re lucky to be alive.” Many people who have lived through a stroke do not feel lucky to be alive, especially in the first months or even years.
Don’t ever tell them they’re acting grumpy. Stroke survivors work through devasting emotions and deserve empathy.
Provide love, caring, and support. Part of this is not consistently thinking that you need to do everything for them. They want to maintain a sense of independence as much as possible. Try to refrain from providing help unless they ask for it.

Top 10 Stroke Care Home Preparation Tips

So now, let’s get into some tips and common home modifications that may make the stroke survivor more comfortable and safer at home.

Get a call bell with a pager that your loved one can use if they need help.
If the survivor is currently using a cane or walker and is coming home to a two-story house, it helps keep the assistive device on both home floors.
Practice fall prevention at home. Clear all walkways of throw rugs that can lead to tripping.
It is also a good idea to ensure walkways, halls, and other tight spaces are well-lit.
Get a long-handled reacher/grabber tool.
Cover up cords. Any loose cords and cables out in the open are big tripping hazards. Consider mounting these to the wall.
Place all frequently used items (TV remotes, phones, and books) within easy reach of where the stroke survivor will be spending most of their downtime.
You may need to rearrange furniture to make a room more spacious.
It may help install house handrails, not just stairs, hallways, and other flat surfaces.
Keep all medication in a convenient central location for ease of access.

Do you need a caregiver to help an elderly family member in your life?

How to Reorganize Your Kitchen and Bathroom for Stroke Survivors

The kitchen and bathroom are the two main areas where people may fall if they have balance issues. Almost all people that recently had a stroke will have balance issues. So, what are some things that you can do to help?

Always assess the unique needs of your loved one and make decisions based on that. All strokes will cause different disabilities. Solutions that help one stroke survivor may hinder another. Please keep reading to learn our top 10 tips for at-home care for stroke survivors.

Top 10 Home Reorganization Tips for Stroke Survivors

Reorganize the kitchen. Throw out any pots, pans, or utensils you don’t need. Try to keep it simple.
Make sure there is good overhead lighting.
Place all frequently used utensils and kitchen tools in a box on the counter within easy reach.
Remove all mats that are not secured down. These are a tripping hazard.
One-piece stove tops can be very helpful as they allow pots and pans to slide off the stove instead of being lifted. This appliance allows for easier and safer removal of hot items.
Get an array of non-slip pads underneath plates, bowls, and cutting boards.
Buy adaptive utensils such as rocker knives, forks, spoons with gripped handles, and adaptive plates with sections and lips. These can all minimize the risk of cuts and spills.
For a wheelchair user, modifications such as lower countertops will be helpful. Also, lowering the sink and removing the cabinet underneath will allow the wheelchair to slide right in for easy use of the sink.
Another tip for the sink – uses a hands-free, automatic, or electronic touch faucet.
Keep soap nearby to reduce extra trips into the bathroom to wash hands.

Be Patient With Your Stroke Survivor

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when helping someone with stroke treatment. It’s a lifelong battle and an existential crisis for the survivor. The most important thing you can do as a caregiver is to have patience. Certain tasks will take the stroke survivor longer, or they may need to completely re-learn how to do something. You may find yourself repeating the same instructions over and over to the stroke survivor about how to perform something.

That’s frustrating. Anytime we must repeat ourselves over and over is frustrating. But please remember that you are dealing with someone who recently suffered an injury to the brain. The frustration you may feel sometimes is nothing compared to the rollercoaster of emotions you are dealing with now.

If you have questions about taking care of a senior in your life, get in touch with us today!

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How to Care for Someone Living With Dementia at Home

The word dementia often conjures a negative image and an inevitable feeling of decline and discontent with life. Whether you’re someone living with dementia at home, a family member, or a caregiver, that’s true.

At Minute Women Home Care, we aim to dispel this myth by creating and leading the way in dementia care for our clients in homes across the state of Massachusetts.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to understanding dementia at home. You’ll learn about:

Risk factors for dementia
Signs of dementia
How to get a diagnosis
Different types of dementia
In-home dementia care tips
Dementia care resources

What Are the Risk Factors for Dementia?

Whether you’re a hospital discharge planner or the concerned adult child of an aging relative, it’s important to assess older adults’ risks for dementia. You also need to understand the risk factors as well.

There isn’t a cure for dementia yet, but the truth is that the cure is personalized, responsive care and team coordination. Here are some recently researched risk factors that could lead to dementia later in life:

High Blood Pressure

You can manage blood pressure levels with regular exercise, a low sodium diet, cutting the coffee (and other caffeine), and delegating tasks as much as possible (lowering stress levels is key to blood pressure regulation).

Impaired Hearing

Hearing loss occurs when various risk factors remain untreated. It can quintuple your odds of developing dementia. Assistive hearing devices and hearing aids are a great hand in restoring your ability to experience the world.

Less Education

This factor doesn’t mean that going to college will eliminate your risk. But, a commitment to learning serves the brain for your lifetime. Playing word games, solving puzzles, and participating in activities is a great way to keep your brain fed.

Smoking

There are now mobile apps and text message programs designed to help you quit smoking no matter your stage of life. Setting up a reward system is also helpful. Instead of spending your extra cash on a pack of cigarettes, consider a movie night at home with the family by taking advantage of Walmart’s $5 movie deals or a Redbox special.

Obesity

We’ve all learned that fad diets often don’t work. Instead, nutritious meals with robust flavors are always in style (and they work)! Imagine this: a lemon chicken entree with seasoned rice or a zesty pasta salad.

Diabetes

Many meal delivery services have diabetic-friendly food options that make diabetes easier to manage. A well-balanced diet can help maintain your eye and heart health and control your blood sugar levels. How does low-cal New England clam chowder sound?

Isolation

No one wants to go through life alone. Whether you live alone or with family, you shouldn’t feel lonely. Recent research has shown that isolation is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Tap into your hobbies, like gardening, art, and sports. Remember: there’s no age limit on being you.

You may be thinking to yourself that this list is bad news. But here’s the good news: each of these risk factors is fixable.

In this next section, you’ll learn about the signs of dementia at home and other related conditions.

Dementia care services can restore dignity, function, and happiness.

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What Are the Signs of Dementia?

In dementia care, the saying goes, “When you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia.” Certain symptoms are common and often overlap time and time again.

One important thing to remember is that your dementia care journey is unique to you. The care you oversee, give or receive needs to be custom-tailored to your needs.

Some common signs of dementia:

Using unusual words to refer to familiar objects.

We remind our caregivers to refrain from correcting our clients: “Those are not noodles. They’re socks.”

Instead, we use a phrase like: “Yes, I’m happy to hand you your socks. Here you go.”

Depending on what stage of memory disease the client is in, this may remind them of the object without embarrassing them while maintaining dignity.

Taking longer to complete routine tasks.

We encourage caregivers to think outside the box. This issue could include:

making the bed or folding the laundry while the client is getting dressed
or wiping down the shower while they’re brushing their teeth

This process ensures that the caregiver is right there for the client’s safety if they need assistance. It also prevents the caregiver from “waiting” for them to finish a task or helping when assistance isn’t needed.

Hallucinating or experiencing delusions or paranoia.

Recently, one of our clients was positive that her deceased husband had just been in the house and left with EMTs. She was extremely upset—understandably so—and called frantically for him.

Rather than correcting her, the caregiver told her that she had asked the office team to make some calls. They would get to the bottom of her concerns.

This step helped the client relax enough to get some rest. By the time she got up, she had forgotten about the situation with her husband.

Losing balance and problems with movement.

We are caring for a gentleman who has some balance and mobility issues. There is a wheelchair in his home. Our client and his family prefer him to be walking, so he doesn’t lose that ability.

Our caregiving team uses a gait belt with him when he decides to get up and move around. They are always moving with him so that he has close supervision.

The gait belt enables our team to steady him and provide assistance when he needs it without pulling on his pants or his arms. It also enables us to safely lower him to the floor should his legs give out.

Do any of these indicators stick out to you?

The appearance of these signs is important to bring up in doctor appointments, especially earlier on. Recent research from the UK shows that small indicators and signs may present themselves up to 18 years before a diagnosis.

Learn what to expect from a dementia diagnosis in the next section.

Getting a Diagnosis for Dementia at Home

Quick clarification: dementia is a grouping of similar symptoms, not a diagnosis. The diagnosis is more along the lines of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), etc.

In this year’s World Alzheimer Report, Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates that 75 percent of people with dementia do not get diagnosed.

Several barriers may keep someone from receiving a diagnosis:

Cultural
Emotional
Financial
Physical

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Types of Dementia Diagnosis

If you or someone you know needs a diagnosis, here are some things that you should prepare in advance:

At-home cognitive tests: Some are online, such as the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and printables like the Montreal Cognitive Test (MOCA).
A journal or log of symptoms or experiences that may indicate cognitive decline
A discussion on power of attorney, living wills, and advance directives to empower the person you care for and to ensure that their future wishes will be honored.

Primary care physicians can perform cognitive screening tests. They may also refer you to a brain specialist or neurologist who focuses on dementia at home.

The process isn’t just a one-and-done test. It can consist of:

Blood tests
Looking at a patient’s complete medical history
Brain scans
Testing balance, spatial recognition, problem-solving, and communication skills

Once a diagnosis happens, you and the person you care for will now have closure. You will also have access to existing symptom management measures and clinical trials. Learn more about the journey ahead in the next section.

The Different Types of Dementia

Did you know that there are more than 400 types of dementia? Each person living with dementia is traveling down a unique path.

Here are some of the most common types of dementia you may hear about:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

AD is the most common form of dementia. two-thirds of people diagnosed with dementia at home are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Some common signs include: not being able to do more than one muscle movement at a time, mixing up words, and getting lost in familiar surroundings.

Vascular Dementia (VaD)

This type is the second most common form of dementia. What makes Vascular Dementia or VaD different from Alzheimer’s is that it’s the result of multiple strokes, also called Multi-Infarct Dementia. Vascular dementia begins with challenges to judgment and logic. Memory impairment doesn’t occur until the later stages.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Also known as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, it’s the third most common form of dementia. What makes this type of dementia unique is that it relates to a build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain. Doctors call these protein chunks “Lewy bodies” after the man who discovered them, Dr. Frederich Lewy.

These chunks, in particular, tackle the cerebral cortex like the Patriots linebacker #38, Ja’Whaun Bentley. This part of the brain controls how we process information, think, and move. It can make ordering Dunkin—a simple task—a nightmare.

Some other forms of dementia that you may hear about include:

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): This is a type of dementia that affects both the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which can alter someone’s personality, behavior, and language skills.
Mixed Dementia: This is when you have more than one type of dementia. It’s most likely Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD): This is a brain disorder that can lead to uncontrollable shaking, pill-rolling (tremors that make it look like you’re rolling a pill or feel something sticky in your hands), stiffness, and difficulty walking.

Regardless of what form of dementia you see, we’ve prepared a series of tips to help at home.

Do you need a caregiver to help an elderly family member in your life?

Tips for Managing Dementia at Home

80% of older adults want to remain at home as they age. Dementia can complicate this desire, but you’ll have a much easier time navigating the twists and turns thrown your way with these tips and tricks.

Find support sooner rather than later.

We reached out to Debbie Selsavage, the owner and author of Coping with Dementia.

According to Debbie, when caring for a person with dementia, it is important to find support sooner than later. That way, your loved one can adapt and accept other people in their home.

Employing a home health company to build a relationship with your loved one will benefit you as a care partner to get the breaks from one on one care duties, even for a few hours.

This disease will not be easy if you do not ask for help, not because you cannot, but because you want to be there as long as possible and as healthy as possible to care for the needs of your loved one in the journey of dementia.

Thinking of both is the most important thing you can do.

Acknowledge their reality.

Roll with it when the person you’re caring for is traveling through time or incorrectly remembering something that happened. Correcting and being right are less important. Live with your loved one in the present, and your caregiving journey will be a breeze.

Access respite care programs.

Family caregivers need care too.

Whether you’re caring for a loved one and visiting when you can, living with them, getting a break is essential. You can’t provide high-quality care when you’re running on empty. Massachusetts is a part of the ARCH National Respite Network. There are state-funded programs available for you to get the respite you deserve with this network.

Home care agencies are a great supplement to your efforts. Be sure to reach out to a trusted provider—like Minute Women Home Care—in your area before a medical event could make it inevitable.

Warm up the bathroom for bathtime.

It can get cold in the bathroom when your loved one is taking a shower. Turning the temperature up a few degrees before starting also helps to create a relaxing, spa-like experience.

Harness the power of choice.

Dementia may take away a lot of memories and thinking skills from the person you care about, but a lot sticks around. When selecting clothing or picking a place for lunch, give them two options. Too many choices may be overwhelming.

Don’t Go Through Dementia Care Alone

Caregiving is a noble tradition in families, but everyone has limits. Make sure to surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family members, and co-workers with that you can be open and vulnerable around.

We spoke to Katie Brandt, the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Frontotemporal Disorders Unit of Massachusetts General Hospital, about resources that can help you along the continuum of care for a loved one.

Brandt’s advice model to caregivers is called the Caregiver Trifecta: your medical community, disease community, and home community. If any of these critical components are missing or deficient, this can cause additional stress on caregivers.

“People ask me all the time, ‘how do I find a person?’ How do I get help?'”

There are three key resources in your backyard waiting to help you live better.

Reach out to your local ASAP organization.

ASAP stands for Aging Services Access Points. Here is a link to the Massachusetts page. “ASAP supports people of any age living with dementia and people at or over 60. You can set up free evaluations at home, with a sliding fee scale to ensure adequate access to care resources as ASAP programs have federal funding,” Brandt said.

Try your local Alzheimer’s Association.

“Anyone living with dementia can get free support and services through this organization. This 24/7 hotline operates 365 days a year, and caregivers can call and ask for a list of service providers in their area.” Their number is 800-272-3900.

Utilize professional home health care services.

“Work with experienced professionals with training, licensure, and insurance.” You deserve to have peace of mind in the integrity and professionalism of your loved one’s senior assistance services.

Your At-Home Dementia Care Team Is Just a Call Away

Dementia at home can be a devastating blow to the person living with it and their family and social circle. There is a lot of beauty in dementia as well. Caregivers gain wisdom, live moments, and learn languages. We are all treasure troves of our life experiences.

Dementia care isn’t just about getting through the day. It’s about creating moments of joy. That could mean taking a walk along the Charles River or a game at Fenway. No matter how good memories and joy look to you, your next chapter shouldn’t have to look drastically different from your last.

Whether something happened yesterday or twenty years ago, don’t underestimate the impact that it’ll have on you later in life. Contact Minute Women Home Care when you need a trusted partner to accompany you on this journey.

If you have questions about taking care of a senior in your life, get in touch with us today!

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What’s Behind the Increasing Cost of Home Care?

Today, we will look at how the increasing cost of home care affects American families. Rising costs widen the gap between who can afford to pay for services and who can not.

It is no secret that the cost of home care is on the rise. However, what may be less known is how this increased cost affects caregivers. This inflation widens the gap between those who can afford to pay for services and those who can not. This article will examine this problem and discuss some possible solutions.

Home care costs affect people in Massachusetts and across the United States. The cost of home care has been rising for many years. Unfortunately, it is now becoming difficult for people to pay for home care services.

This issue is widening the gap between who can afford to pay for services and who can not. It is causing adult children to wipe out their savings to pay for services. In some cases, these families go into deep debt.

Keep reading to learn the causes behind the increasing cost of home care and what you can do to avoid them.

What’s Behind the Increasing Cost of Home Care?

The cost of home care is on the rise, affecting people in several ways.

Baby boomers and age in place
COVID-19
Wage increases
Less immigration to the U.S.
Key takeaways

Baby Boomers and Age in Place

Every day, nearly 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 years old. This trend will continue until 2030, when all baby boomers will be 65+.

The increase in the need for home care services has put pressure on the supply. The baby boomer population is aging. More chronic conditions can receive medical treatments at home with assistance from home care.

Home care services are typically needed once someone is in their 70s. There will be an overwhelming number of boomers who will insist on staying at home.

Demand is still extremely high. The increasing cost of home care will only accelerate over the next decade.

COVID-19

Increasing Demand for Private Home Care

As the COVID pandemic has spread, so has the demand for home care services. This demand is partly because many people are now choosing to stay home rather than risk exposure in public places.

Adding to this, many families experienced difficulties having parents in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities. In 2020, when COVID was spreading like wildfire, there were no vaccines. This trauma left many shaken by sending their parents away.

Families were unable to visit or see their loved ones unless they were dying. This prolonged isolation caused seniors to physically and mentally decline. It was a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” type of situation that left many families were upset.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

These horrible experiences were terrible P.R. for the communities and facilities and further increased demand for home care services. Families felt that they could see their parents with the home care they needed, even if it increased the risk of infection.

COVID has left nursing homes financially decimated. You should expect many closures, especially in more rural areas. Assisted living communities are staying afloat because of their memory care units. Over time, their traditional side will bounce back (assuming no new variants arise).

All of these have reinforced the position of most seniors and their families. Seniors want to age at home for as long as possible. As a result, the demand for caregivers and home care services will increase. The increasing cost of home care has just started.

Do you need a caregiver to help an elderly family member in your life?

Wage Increases

It is not surprising to hear about wage increases behind the increasing cost of home care. Many states (including Massachusetts) have raised their minimum wages to $15 per hour. With COVID, most employers paying below $15/hr blew past that figure quickly.

Agencies are finding that they are paying substantially more than $15 per hour as COVID dragged on. The lack of caregivers to accommodate these needs increased wages simple supply-and-demand economics.

Families in Massachusetts should expect rates to increase over the next few years. Our prediction is that home care rates will end up in the $39-$42 per hour range. Minimum wage increases and inflation are two primary factors.

The recent events in Ukraine and Russia will also continue to increase inflation. The rising cost of gas will further increase caregiver wages, which agencies will eventually pass to clients.

Less Immigration to the U.S.

Since 2016 visa immigration into the United States has dropped dramatically. At the high of 1,000,000 people in 2016 to just 250,000 visas in 2021.

Foreign-born workers occupy jobs in the services and construction industries at higher numbers. Less immigration into the U.S. has driven up the need to entice these workers to stay in their industry. Otherwise, they often would rather than leave to greener pastures.

This trend is leaving families between a rock and a hard place. As caregivers know, they are in demand and are only willing to accept long-hour, higher-paying shifts.

A family who needs only a few hours of help will have difficulty finding a consistent caregiver. That shift is just the way the home care industry works.

To no fault of their own, caregivers will wait for the most lucrative cases. They will only take a day or less to find more lucrative care from a competing live-in care agency.

Key Takeaways

It is unlikely that inflation increases will reverse. Once wages go up, they stay there.

Because of this, more families will find themselves shocked at the hourly cost and the high minimum number of hours.

The increasing cost of home care will fluctuate from agency to agency. What won’t change is the inconsistency of the caregivers for low-hour cases. This inconsistency leads to agencies declining the case until the family finds one willing to take shorter hours. In these cases, a new caregiver often shows up on each shift. In this situation, everyone is disappointed and frustrated.

Even if a massive crash were to occur in the housing sector, home health care is very insulated. This balance is because seniors pay for savings services. The demand to stay at home and avoid moving into a nursing home will persist. This desire means there will be inflation in the home care industry for the foreseeable future.

If you have questions about taking care of a senior in your life, get in touch with us today!

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What Happens When a Senior Suffers a Stroke?

If you have an elderly parent, you should know what happens when a senior suffers a stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood flow is lost to part of the brain, sometimes due to a blood clot that blocks an artery or a bleed from a blood vessel that creates pressure in the brain. Unfortunately, strokes commonly occur in seniors due to their age and preexisting health conditions.

When someone has a stroke, brain cells die, and as a result, the brain may risk temporary or permanent damage. Depending on the area of the brain deprived of oxygen, a person may experience symptoms including loss of memory, movement, speech, or other disabilities.

Keep reading to learn the risks, signs, and symptoms of strokes and what you can do to prevent them.

What You’ll Learn:

How to identify types of strokes
The causes of a stroke
The risk factors of a stroke
Caring for an elderly person who has suffered a stroke
How to detect personality and behavior changes following a stroke
Mental health for stroke victims and caregivers
Treatment resources for stroke victims
Key takeaways

Types of Strokes

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both types vary in what happens when a senior suffers a stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. The clot may come from another part of the body (embolus) or form inside an artery that supplies blood to the brain (thrombus).

An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. Medications that dissolve a clot can prevent severe damage if given early enough after symptoms appear.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke is less common than an ischemic stroke but more deadly. When a blood vessel in the brain breaks due to weakness in the vessel wall, blood flows around the brain and creates swelling and pressure. This bleeding damages brain cells and tissue.

The physician needs to determine which type of stroke has occurred because treatments are quite different for both.

Causes of a Stroke

A wide range of conditions can cause a stroke. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a stroke occurring. We outlined specific causes below:

Cerebral Causes

Cerebrovascular disease, driven by hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes
Brain aneurysm
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
Vasospasm occurs when an artery suddenly spasms

Cardiac Causes

Arrhythmia: an irregular heart rhythm that can promote the formation of a blood clot
Heart attack: a sudden reduction in heart function that may lead to a blood clot
Carotid artery disease
Hypertension/long-term high blood pressure

Systemic Causes

Hypotension, often caused by blood loss or dehydration
High doses of medication that affects blood clotting
Street drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine
Blood clotting disorders
Infections that alter a person’s blood clotting ability
Inflammatory diseases that affect blood clotting
Air embolism: an air bubble that travels from elsewhere in the body to the brain

This list of causes is by no means exhaustive. A qualified doctor can more accurately examine a stroke victim to identify the exact cause.

11 Risk Factors of a Stroke

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of a stroke. These risk factors can be either controllable or uncontrollable leading to what happens when a senior suffers a stroke. We’ve listed the most common risk factors below:

1) High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is controllable through lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure include losing weight, adopting a healthy diet, exercising, lifting weights, limiting alcohol, and minimizing stress.

2) Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of stroke immensely through the combination of carbon monoxide and nicotine.

3) Diabetes

Individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should work hard to control their blood sugar and reduce their risk of stroke.

4) Diet

Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can greatly increase the risk of a stroke.

5) Physical Inactivity

Lack of movement or exercise can significantly increase the risk of stroke. Try to get at least 150 minutes of activity each week through activities such as walking, running, or any other activity that gets you out of the chair.

6) Obesity

Being overweight drastically increases the risk of stroke. Losing just five to ten pounds can greatly reduce the chance of a stroke occurring.

7) High Blood Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol can build up and cause blood clots, leading to stroke.

8) Age

The likelihood of a stroke increases with age among both men and women. While it is more common in the elderly, it may occur in people under 65.

9) Family History

A close relative who has a stroke, including a grandparent, parent, brother, or sister, can increase the chances of you having a stroke.

10) Gender

On average, women are more likely than men to have a stroke. Factors that increase the likelihood of a woman having a stroke include prior pregnancies, the use of birth control, and post-menopausal hormonal therapy.

11) Prior Stroke, Heart Attack, or TIA

An individual who has had a prior stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is much more likely to have a stroke than someone who has not.

Do you need a caregiver to help an elderly stroke victim in your life?

Caring for an Elderly Person After a Stroke

Depending on the severity of the stroke, care for a victim can range from minimal to round-the-clock care. Loss of function varies depending on the part of the brain. Common problems resulting from a stroke include:

Weakness or total paralysis of the arm, hand or leg, or an entire side of the body
Decreased ability to concentrate on tasks
Difficulty expressing ideas or understanding others
Trouble swallowing or speaking
Struggles with balance
Memory problems
Emotional changes, including anxiety, frustration, or grief
Depression
Lack of awareness of the loss of function after a stroke
Vision problems
Difficulty controlling the bowel or bladder

Treatment for a stroke involves a team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. It typically includes at least one treatment after what happens when a senior suffers a stroke:

1) Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving the patient’s balance and coordination and strengthening the legs. It can also include walking, sitting, lying down, stair and wheelchair training.

2) Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on retraining the individual on typical everyday tasks, such as dressing, grooming, reading, writing, cooking, and using the toilet.

3) Speech Therapy

This type of therapy focuses on memory, cognition, and speech. Doctors will also work with the patient on any difficulties with swallowing. A stroke survivor should regain some (and sometimes all) language and speaking abilities with time and patience.

The caregiver should outline these treatments, usually with a family member or close relative. The caregiver will need to ensure that the patient attends all of their appointments for therapy and may have to work with the patient outside of doctor’s appointments to assist in their recovery.

The more people devoted to seeing the patient heal, the more likely the patient will recover some (if not all) of their ability to function.

Personality and Behavior Changes After a Stroke

Unfortunately, many people experience personality or behavior changes after a stroke. This development is a common recurrence of what happens when a senior suffers a stroke. These usually involve damage to the brain that occurs when there is a loss of oxygen. Similar to the other problems caused by the stroke, these personality and behavior changes may be either permanent or temporary.

Common personality and behavior changes might include:

1) Mood Swings

Mood swings may occur due to the challenges of recovering from a stroke, or they may involve damage to the brain’s emotional center. You may find that the stroke victim laughs or cries at inappropriate times. Sometimes this condition improves independently, but if it does not, doctors can prescribe medication.

2) Strange Behavior

After a stroke, it is common for patients to display disorganized behavior. Usually, this is due to changes in cognitive and perceptual abilities, and it improves over time as the patient continues their rehabilitation program. However, strange behavior may also be a sign of post-stroke dementia. It’s important to talk to a doctor if you are concerned about your relative’s behavior.

3) Stubborn Behavior

There are two types of stubborn behaviors in a stroke victim. Some patients may be very independent and be unwilling to accept help. This development is great since fiercely independent patients will put the most effort into their recovery and generally improve quickly.

However, patients who deny stroke symptoms may struggle to understand their true condition. They may be in full denial of their disability. Speech and occupational therapists should address this type of stubborn behavior during treatment.

4) Forgetfulness

Often, stroke victims struggle with memory problems, especially in the first weeks of recovery. It’s important to keep a positive attitude and not show too much frustration when forgetting important details.

Remember that forgetfulness is not purposeful and results from damage to the brain. In time, most stroke victims improve their cognitive abilities, and some fully recover.

5) Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior is typically due to frontal lobe damage and impaired impulse control after a stroke. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential not to subject yourself to physical abuse. If it is occurring, speak to the doctor immediately. They may be able to give your relative medication to control their impulsive behavior.

Keeping It Together

A stroke can be devastating for both the patient and the caregiver. Seeing an elderly parent or relative who fully cared for themselves and had a vibrant life undergo such a sudden change can be traumatic for an adult child or close relative.

It is crucial to share what happens when a senior suffers a stroke. Keep in mind that recovery can be slow and to take each day at a time. Some people may only need a few weeks of rehabilitation, but others may need much more.

Don’t carry the full burden of their recovery on yourself. If you find that caring for your loved one is too much to handle on your own, it’s important to reach out to other family or friends to get their help as well. It’s also important to stay positive and take time for yourself.

Don’t stop attending events with friends, working, or spending time with other family members. These activities can help you relax and take your mind off the hard work of caring for a sick, elderly relative.

Treatment Resources for Stroke Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke, please consult one of the following resources. These hospitals and rehabilitation centers are leading treatment programs for stroke victims.

Hospitals with Dedicated Stroke Programs

Rehabilitation Centers for Stroke Patients

Key Takeaways

It’s also important to take care of your health. Eat healthy, exercise, and take some time each day for a mental break. The healthier you are and the less stressed, the more likely you are to influence the recovery of your elderly relative. Teach your loved ones what happens when a senior suffers a stroke.

It takes a great deal of patience to work through the aftermath of a stroke. Remember that you, other family members, and treatment providers are all working together to ensure the best outcome for your loved one.

If you have questions about taking care of a senior in your life, get in touch with us today!

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