Don’t Ignore These Signs a Senior is Having a Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when a part of brain isn’t receiving enough blood. It is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel or when a blood vessel leaks or bursts. A stroke causes brain cells to die. Depending on what part of the brain is affected, a stroke can result in all sorts of complications or even death. The key to preventing serious complications and reduce the amount of damage caused by a stroke is to act quickly when the signs of a stroke appear. Of course, in order to call for help fast, a caregiver must first know what the signs of a stroke are.

Stroke Symptoms

While the symptoms of a stroke might vary a bit from one person to the other depending on severity and the area of the brain affected, the American Stroke Association urges people to watch for these common symptoms:
• Numbness: During a stroke, a senior may experience numbness in a leg, arm, or one side of their face.
• Confusion: The older adult may not understand what others are saying to them or may have trouble speaking.
• Vision Problems: Stroke can cause vision loss in one eye or in both.
• Trouble Walking: Stroke can make the senior lose their balance, cause dizziness, or affect coordination.
• Severe Headache: A sudden and severe pain in the head without a known cause may signal a stroke.

One of the trademarks of stroke symptoms is that they come on suddenly because of the mechanisms behind a stroke. It doesn’t take long for tissues in the brain to start dying, so as soon as a vessel is blocked or broken, the symptoms begin.

What to Do if Stroke Symptoms Appear
When caregivers see one or more signs of stroke in their aging relative, it’s important to immediately call 911. There are medications that health care professionals can administer to reduce damage to brain tissue. The medications work better the sooner they are given after symptoms appear.

When calling 911, it’s important for caregivers to remain as calm as possible, so they can answer questions asked by the 911 operator. Be prepared to give the address you are at. You may be asked to identify landmarks for the ambulance drivers to use in locating you. If there are any pets in the home, they should be closed in a room or kennel before the ambulance arrives. Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you to.

If you or someone you know needs help with a Caregiver in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable homecare services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

Sources
https://www.webmd.com/stroke/guide/signs-of-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113

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Gauthier Family Home Care

Owner at Gauthier Family Home Care

Call (616) 258-2300. Gauthier Family Home Care exists to provide options for our clients to retain their independence in their own homes, improve their quality of life and support their extended families. We will accomplish that by providing compassionate, professional caregivers who will nurture, stimulate, and cater to each client’s specific needs without fail.

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