The ease of recovery following a stroke can be affected by how quickly a stroke is identified and treated. It is critical for all of us to recognize the warning signs of a stroke, a condition that is both very serious and increasingly widespread. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States, with as many as 800,000 individuals experiencing a stroke each year. This translates to every 40 seconds someone, somewhere in the U.S. is experiencing a stroke, and every four minutes, one of these individuals dies from a stroke.
If you are providing care for an older or chronically ill family member or friend who is at an elevated risk for stroke, it is important to be sure that you can detect the warning signs of a stroke. The earlier you get help, the more likely the person will live through the stroke and have an optimal outcome. Indicators of a stroke include the sudden onset of:
- Feelings of weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg – predominantly on one side of the body
- Difficulty with communicating or understanding and confusion
- Blurry vision or issues with seeing
- Problems with walking, feeling dizzy, coordination or balance
- Severe headache with no known cause
If you observe these potential signs of stroke in someone, be sure to BE FAST.
- Balance: Is the person having trouble standing up?
- Eyes: Is the individual experiencing vision problems?
- Face: Ask the individual to smile and see if one side tends to droop.
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm seem to be drooping downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a very simple statement. When they do, see if speech slurs or if the person cannot form words as expected.
- Time: Time is critical! If you notice any of the above symptoms, call 911 right away or be sure the person is brought to a hospital as soon as possible!
At Carolina Hearts Home Care, we take pride in providing professional, extensively trained caregivers to care for older adults. We offer a broad variety of senior in-home care services to meet all of your home care needs, such as:
- Companionship
- Planning and preparing meals
- Personal care
- Help with household chores
- Running errands
- Transportation and accompaniment
- Medication reminders
- Safety monitoring
- And many more
You can reach us online or at 1-855-277-2005 to learn more about the warning signs of a stroke and options for Aberdeen home care and care in the surrounding areas. Schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how a customized plan of care can make life safer and more enjoyable for a senior you love.
