Following a stroke, a patient's main focus is on rehabilitation, or re-learning those functions that the stroke has taken away. Rehabilitation begins immediately and nearly always requires the assistance of a caregiver (therapist, family member, home care professional) as the patient regains strength and confidence.
Persons who have suffered a stroke face an uphill battle. According to the National Stroke Association, only about one third of stroke victims recover with minor or no complications. The remaining patients may require long-term care either at home or in a facility with therapeutic and nursing care. The good news is that there are some activities that caregivers can encourage that will shorten recovery time and maximize outcomes.
Aerobic Conditioning - This includes basic exercises such as walking, sweeping, riding an exercise bicycle, etc. These exercises should be performed daily for at least 20 minutes and are highly beneficial in recovery even if started long after the initial stroke occurred.
Strength Training - Resistance (elastic) bands, free weights, exercise machines are great ways to increase strength and enable the stroke patient to resume their daily activities. These exercises should be performed 2-3 times per week. Caregivers play an integral role in the strength training program by providing encouragement and ensuring safety.
Flexibility Training - Stroke patients should incorporate stretching exercises into their rehabilitation regimen to prevent tightening of the muscles, Caregivers can assist by providing the stretching tension that the individual may not be able to provide on his own. Stretching exercises should be performed 2-3 days per week and each exercise should be held for about 30 seconds each.
Neuromuscular Training - Neuromuscular training helps develop fine motor skills, balance and coordination - abilities often diminshed as a result of a stroke. These exercises - standing on one leg, manipulating small objects with the hands, etc. will help develop and refine these abilities over time. Assistance from a caregiver is needed to prevent injury and provide emotional support. Relearning fine motor skills can be very frustrating without support, encouragement and a helping hand!
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Senior Care: Alzheimer's Disease - How to Recognize the Signs
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of Dementia and the one we hear about the most. It is a degenerative disease that denies the brain its ability to function. This eventually affects the autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate and becomes fatal.
However, not all people with Dementia have Alzheimer's. Both affect cognitive memory but Alzheimer's Disease is the only one of the two that results in death. Each person may experience some of these symptoms to a greater or lesser degree so recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's Disease helps families properly identify problematic behavior that can be addressed correctly and as early as possible.
Here are the Ten Signs of Alzheimer's Disease:
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
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Challenges in planning/solving problems
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Familiar tasks at home or work become difficult to finish
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Confusion with time or place
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Difficulty understanding visual imagery or spatial relationships
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Progressive speech or writing difficulties
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Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace one's steps
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Increasingly poor judgment
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Introvertedness, withdrawal from social activities or work
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Mood or personality changes
It should be pointed out that age-related difficulties, such as occasional symptoms of any of the above are normal. Professional intervention from a physician is recommended, however, if these symptoms begin to increase in frequency or become dibilitating.
Original Article - 10 Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Stroke is widely recognized as the leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability. Annually, 160,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to stroke and related causes. Promptly recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke can save a loved one’s life and result in the best possible prognosis.
St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta uses
“GIVEME5” as a tool in educating patients and the community at large on the five key symptoms of stroke:
- WALK—Is a person’s balance off?
- TALK—Is a person’s speech slurred or face droopy?
- REACH—Is one side weak or numb?
- SEE—Is a person’s vision all or partly lost?
- FEEL—Is a person’s headache severe?
These warning signs are clues your body sends that your brain is not receiving enough oxygen. If you see one or more of these signs, suspect a stroke and call 911.
St. Joseph’s also recommends the use of the acronym
F.A.S.T. to assist people in recognizing stroke.
- Face—Watch for a drooping face.
- Arm—The person may have arm weakness or numbness.
- Speech—The person may have slurred speech, or difficulty speaking or understanding words.
- Time—Call 911 immediately.
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