Identifying the Signs of a Stroke in Seniors

In home caregivers can help older adults in Gastonia, NC maintain their health and well-being by being proactive about identifying signs of a stroke

If you are a family in home caregiver for an older relative in Gastonia, NC, you understand how important it is to know the signs of a stroke. Being on the lookout for changes in health or behavior and possessing the know-how to detect the symptoms of a stroke can ultimately save your loved one’s life.

You may be familiar with FAST – it is a technique developed in the late ‘90s in the United Kingdom as an efficient way to quickly assess whether a person may be having a stroke. FAST is an acronym, which makes it easier to remember the warning signs of stroke.

Here’s what you, as an in home caregiver, need to know:

• F – Face Drooping – Ask your loved one to smile for you to see if one side of their face is numb or drooping. If their smile appears to be uneven, seek medical attention immediately.
• A – Arm Weakness – Numbing or weakness in one of the arms may be a clear indicator of a stroke. Kindly ask Mom or Dad to raise their arms and if one of their arms drifts downwards – you have a red alert.
• S – Speech Difficulty – Slurred, unintelligible speech is one of the most common signs of a stroke. For those going through a stroke, it can be very difficult to pronounce words with clarity or finish simple sentences accurately.
• T – Time to Call 911 – If you have identified one or more of the abovementioned symptoms, call emergency services at once. Note the time the symptoms started to manifest and if they seem to be withdrawing. Please bear in mind that the appearance and then disappearance of symptoms doesn’t mean your loved one is in the clear, so make sure to seek medical attention even if the symptoms suddenly disappear.

Keep in mind that with these guidelines, you can make a significant difference in your loved one’s long-term health and well-being.

The American Stroke Association also warns of some additional symptoms you should be aware of:

• Sudden numbing or weakness in the legs, arms or face
• Sudden difficulties with vision affecting one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness and trouble with walking, balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache
• Lack of comprehension

There are certain preventative measures that seniors and their in home caregiver can take to successfully reduce the risk of stroke. These measures include managing your loved one’s blood pressure, encouraging them to stay physically active, and preparing a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

However, as you probably can’t be with your loved one all the time, maybe it’s time to consider hiring a professional in home caregiver from Visiting Angels of Gastonia that can assist your loved one and make sure they are well when you are not around.

“Our senior home care professionals provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Our compassionate caregivers make it possible for many seniors to continue living at home and for them to remain healthy,” explains Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels franchise.

Visiting Angels of Gastonia, NC, is a leading provider of advanced home care solutions. To learn more about the assisted living services provided by our staff of compassionate in home caregivers, please call our Gastonia office at (704) 825-3350 or contact us for more information.

Visiting Angels provides elderly assistance for seniors in Alexis, Belmont, Bessemer City, Boiling Springs, Casar, Charlotte, Cherryville, Cramerton, Crouse, Dallas, Earl, Fallston, Gastonia, High Shoals, Iron Station, Kings Mountain, Lattimore, Lawndale, Lincolnton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mooresboro, Polkville, Shelby, Stanley, Vale, Waco, and the surrounding areas of North Carolina.