A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, and it affects various parts of the body. Once a stroke occurs, prompt medical attention can minimize long-term damage to the brain. Since every second counts, you should be aware of the following common signs of stroke.
Look at Your Loved One’s Face
During a stroke, a person often loses muscle control on one side of the body, most notably on the face. Look at your loved one carefully to determine if one side of the face is drooping. You may also see a lopsided smile that signifies single-sided weakness of the muscles.
Strokes are one of the most serious health issues in older adults. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Barrie home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Ask Your Loved One to Raise His or Her Arms
In the event of a stroke, muscle weakness extends from the face to the arms. Be concerned if your loved one mentions his or her arms are tingling or numb. Ask your loved one to raise both arms out to the side. If one arm droops down or is difficult to raise, it could be a sign of a stroke.
Listen to Your Loved One’s Speech
During and immediately after a stroke, your loved one may have difficulty speaking. Speech-related issues may include an inability to form the proper sounds to make words. Alternatively, your loved one may be unable to put together a complete sentence. The speech patterns associated with a stroke also include slurring, and your loved one may sound inebriated when trying to talk.
Strokes can make it difficult for aging adults to perform daily tasks independently. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Barrie respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Assess Your Loved One’s Gait
Strokes also impair the ability to walk properly. Your loved one may experience a loss of control over one or both legs. As your loved one walks, watch for signs of impairment such as dragging one leg behind or stumbling while walking over flat ground. Encourage your loved one to avoid walking if you suspect a stroke is immediately occurring.
Inquire About Your Loved One’s Vision
Improper blood flow to the brain also impacts the ability to see properly. Ask your loved one if he or she can see clearly out of each eye. While many seniors have vision issues, you should worry if your loved one has new or unusual symptoms such as suddenly not being able to see out of one eye.
Put Together the Whole Picture
Women in particular may experience symptoms of a stroke that are immediately recognized. Many people feel tired as a result of the reduced blood flow to the brain, or hallucinations may occur if the stroke affects certain regions. Behavioral changes such as confusion or sudden anger may also signify a stroke is happening. Always take the signs of a stroke seriously, and act fast to get your loved one help. Even if the symptoms turn out to be caused by something else, being cautious can prevent long-term damage to your loved one’s health.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior care. Barrie Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. Whether your loved one needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive around-the-clock care, give us a call at 647-970-3803 today.