Blog > A Comprehensive Care Plan After a Stroke

A Comprehensive Care Plan After a Stroke

Almost 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. Ischemic strokes are the most common, and it’s caused by a blockage that slows or stops blood flow to the brain. In just under one minute, more than 1.9 million brain cells die during an ischemic stroke. The longer a stroke goes on, the more damage is caused. Every person should know the acronym FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) and know the early signs of a stroke to ensure medical attention is prioritized. Your dad had a stroke. Right now, he’s in the hospital, but doctors say he will be able to go home as long as there is a solid care plan in place. What in-home care services are essential during your dad’s recovery?

Emotional Support

In-Home Care Alachua FL – A Comprehensive Care Plan After a Stroke

It’s not uncommon for your dad to become depressed following a stroke. His doctors may recommend he attends therapy sessions or support groups for stroke survivors. He might benefit from having someone with him each day for the company.

Your dad may not be able to talk yet, but he might feel better if he has someone with him while he watches a movie or sits on his patio. Companionship is essential after a stroke.

Personal Care

Grooming and hygiene are going to be harder for your dad to complete independently. He needs a caregiver to help him shower, dry off, get dressed, and brush and floss his teeth. When he has to go to the bathroom, he needs help cleaning up after. He’ll also need someone to help him shave, trim his nails, and apply moisturizing lotions.

Housekeeping Help from In-Home Care Aides

After a stroke, one side of your dad’s body will be weak or even paralyzed. He’ll likely need a wheelchair until he’s walking again. Even if he’ll be starting with a walker or cane, cleaning tasks are going to be challenging.

Your dad needs someone to make his bed, change the sheets, vacuum the carpeting, and sweep hard floor surfaces. He might be okay dusting shelves, but he cannot do the laundry or wash dishes. He has to rely on others to take out the trash and recycling, get the mail, and put away items like books, clean laundry, and lap quilts.

Transportation

Your dad cannot drive. Until he has clearance from his doctor, he cannot get behind the wheel. He may never be able to drive again. Someone needs a clear schedule to bring him to therapy sessions, medical appointments, and support groups.

Arrange in-home care ASAP. Before your dad comes home, you want to have services ready to go. A stroke care plan can be very complex, so it’s not something to try to do on your own. Partner with in-home care aides to ensure your dad’s recovery goes smoothly.

Sources: https://www.strokeinfo.org/stroke-facts-statistics/