The first three months after a stroke are when most people experience the greatest gains in recovery. These months are also critical for helping seniors establish healthier lifestyles that prevent additional strokes from happening. Knowing what to expect during these three months can help you figure out the best ways to boost your aging loved one’s health as he or she heals.
What to Expect During the Initial Recovery
Ideally, your loved one should receive medical attention within the first three hours of a stroke, when some of the worst effects can be prevented with special medications. However, strokes can still vary regarding the damage they cause, and your loved one’s medical team will begin working right away to find out how your loved one’s life is affected after he or she is stabilized. In most cases, stroke rehabilitation will begin in the hospital. The length of your loved one’s stay in the hospital will vary based on his or her overall health status, but you can expect him or her to continue to need assistance at home.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Montgomery, AL, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
Factors that Affect a Person’s Outcome
Early treatment after a stroke gives your loved one the best chances for a better outcome. However, you also can help with other factors, such as keeping his or her motivation up. Your loved one may also have a better outcome if you provide help at home that prevents him or her from experiencing a secondary health condition that leads to a hospital readmission. Seniors who have the support they need to stick to their rehabilitation plans are also more likely to recover their former abilities.
How to Plan for the Return Home
Once your loved one shows progress in recovery, the medical team will prepare him or her to go home. Find out what type of help your loved one will need so it can be ready and waiting for the return home. For instance, you may need to set up a recovery room if your loved one isn’t mobile. A professional caregiver may also need to provide around-the-clock care if your loved one needs assistance with things such as getting to the restroom at night.
This is the best time to plan ahead for your loved one’s return home. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Montgomery Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Tips to Follow Through with Rehabilitation
In the first few months following a stroke, you can expect your loved one to need to attend multiple doctor appointments. Before your loved one returns home, explore options such as transportation services that can help him or her get to and from therapy appointments and follow-up medical visits. Your loved one may also need you or another caregiver to help with therapeutic exercises at home.
Things to Know at the Three-Month Mark
Although the greatest gains are known to occur in the first three months, it’s important to continue working on your loved one’s recovery past the three-month mark. At this point, it’s typically best to reassess the current care plan and make sure your loved one is following through with rehabilitation services. With care and effort, you can expect to continue to see enhanced abilities develop over the upcoming year.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.