Strokes have long-reaching effects on the patient, family and friends. How a stroke is treated depends on the specific type of stroke and the way it affects the patient. Support from loved ones combined with professional care at home go a long way in the stroke recovery process. Trinity Life at Home sends professional caregivers to your home, allowing your loved one to recover in a familiar environment.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or cut off completely. This causes the brain cells to start dying. The rest of the body then starts losing function.
How to Check for a Stroke
If one of your friends or family members suddenly starts acting different, you might suspect a stroke. Symptoms include:
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, usually just on one side
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Decreased or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Severe headache
Women can experience strokes differently from men and may present these symptoms:
- Pain in the face or legs
- Hiccups
- Weakness all over
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
If you think someone is having a stroke, use the FAST acronym to check for signs.
F: Face
Ask the person to smile. If one side of their face droops or if their smile looks uneven, this could be a symptom of a stroke, since strokes can often cause numbness on one side of the body only.
A: Arms
If you ask the person to raise their arms and one arm is higher than the other or one arm is drooping, this could be another sign of a stroke.
S: Speech
Say a simple phrase and ask the person to repeat it. If they slur or sound different, or can’t even repeat the phrase, that may indicate a stroke.
T: Time
If the person failed any of the above tests, write down the time and call 911. Let the operator know what time the symptoms started so they can estimate the length of the stroke.
How is a Stroke Treated?
Doctors have several ways of determining if a person is having a stroke and assessing the extent of the damage. Tests may include a physical exam, blood tests, a CT scan, MRI, carotid ultrasound, cerebral angiogram, or an echocardiogram.
How a stroke is treated varies on the type of stroke and the extent of the damage. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain. Treatment for an ischemic stroke typically includes emergency IV medication to break up a clot. Treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Strokes often affect movement, usually just on one side of the body, and sometimes affect language and speech. In almost all cases, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services are strongly recommended. Intense therapy services such as Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies are used to significantly improve outcomes.
Professional Care at Home
Family and friends also can show support by finding a professional caregiver who comes to your home to help with things that require more medical or caretaking knowledge. Professionals from Trinity Life at Home can help with activities of daily living, such as showering, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and outings. We consult with the patient, family members, and medical practitioners to create an individualized plan that considers the patient’s specific needs.
In-Home Care for Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery is a lengthy process. It is extremely important for the stroke patient to fully engage in the therapy services and participate in the therapy exercises assigned to the home environment. A professional caregiver provides support and knowledge beyond what friends and family know how to do. In-home care also allows patients to remain in a familiar environment where they can recover in comfort.
Our services include daily living assistance, in-home memory care, private-duty skilled nursing, post-op recovery care, and much more. Are you ready to learn more about our in-home care services? Fill out the Contact form on our website, give us a call at 678-731-0831, and follow Trinity Life at Home on Facebook.
