What to Expect After a Loved One Has a Stroke

You’ve just received the dreaded news. Your parent suffered a stroke. Your priority is to go to the hospital and get an update on your parent’s condition. You have no idea what will happen next, the severity of the stroke, or if there will be a permanent disability. It is important to know that there is hope after a stroke. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath, ask your parent’s doctor any questions, or discuss any concerns.

What Can You Expect in the Days Following Your Parent’s Stroke?

When a stroke occurs, a blood clot causes a blockage in the brain. The damage caused by a blockage in the brain can include:

• A loss of balance
• Changes in speech patterns
• Paralysis of one side of the body
• Changes in cognitive abilities

The earlier a stroke victim receives treatment, the better the prognosis. The severity of the blockage of blood flow also plays a role in the severity of damage caused by a stroke. Once your parent is out of danger and permitted to leave the hospital, you will need assistance with care.

Why Consider Home Assistance?

Recovery from a stroke is an on-going process. The body cannot simply recover overnight. Studies have shown that senior individuals thrive more when they are in familiar surroundings. At the same time, you may not be able to give your parent the care they need while recovering from a stroke. You may be working full time or have a family that needs your attention. Even if you can provide care for your parent, it can be exhausting on top of all of your other commitments. This is a time to consider professional services like Assisting Hands Home Care. Compassionate, trained caregivers can come to your home or your parent’s home to offer much needed support.

Give Yourself and Your Parent Peace of Mind

Assisting Hands caregivers can help your parent, or any loved one, meet basic care needs when you are not available. They can provide companionship, assistance with bathing and grooming, and prepare healthy meals. Your parent will need to take part in rehabilitation exercises to regain skills or strength, and our caregivers can assist with recommended activities such as walking with assistance, using fine motor skills, performing daily exercises, practicing speech skills, etc. Most importantly, you can rest assured that your parent will not be alone during this challenging time. For more information, contact Assisting Hands Home Care Arlington today at (703) 997-4334.