The Benefits of Home Care Services for Stroke Patients
Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is never easy. This can be especially true when someone suffers a stroke, resulting in symptoms that require long-term rehabilitation and care.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an estimated 60% of stroke patients develop permanent disabilities, including paralysis. It’s also common for patients to suffer pain, spasticity, or weakness in limbs, as well as issues with vision, hearing, speech, and mobility.
Even if you’re ready to step up and help out, most people aren’t prepared for the challenges of providing round-the-clock care. Tending to a dependent adult can feel overwhelming, and you’re going to need support if you don’t want to burn out.
An in-home care provider can help you with the extensive care your loved one may need in the aftermath of a stroke. Take a closer look at the specific benefits you can gain when you hire a caregiver.
Focusing on Stabilization
The days and weeks following a stroke are critical when it comes to ensuring the best chances of recovery. Patients must receive proper care after leaving the hospital. It’s not unusual for patients to suffer setbacks and return to the hospital during early recovery, but being readmitted could set them back even further.
An in-home caregiver can not only assist with physical care but also help a patient manage emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety that often develop after a stroke. Guiding a patient to remain calm, positive, and stable could minimize the chances of hospital readmission.
Watching for Signs of Another Stroke
Suffering one stroke increases the risk of additional strokes, known as recurrent strokes. It’s estimated that about one-fourth of stroke patients will experience recurrent strokes, but with proper care and lifestyle changes, risks can be reduced.
In addition, an in-home caregiver can watch for early warning signs to ensure immediate medical attention and alleviate some of your burden of care, diminishing your stress so that you can be more alert and watchful.
Managing Daily Needs
You might feel comfortable providing limited care for loved ones before a stroke, from helping with housekeeping to picking up groceries. Caring for a patient in recovery is much more intensive, though, and it can quickly become overwhelming.
An in-home caregiver helps with daily tasks like:
- Meals and feeding
- Bathing and grooming
- Transfers and transportation
- Light housekeeping
Caregivers can also provide invaluable rehabilitation assistance that improves opportunities for stabilization, improvement, and recovery after a stroke.
Providing Companionship
Suffering a major health setback can be an isolating experience, particularly in the event of debilitating symptoms like paralysis or trouble speaking. The presence of a caregiver provides a vital social connection that is free of judgment and works to curb feelings of loneliness.
A caregiver can also help a patient stay connected to family and friends by facilitating messaging, phone calls, and video chats. More importantly, a home health professional can work with stroke patients on improving different forms of communication, particularly when speech or fine motor skills have been impacted. This helps them feel more comfortable reconnecting with family and friends.
Maintaining Dignity
Strokes can result in a range of physical and cognitive limitations that may be temporary or permanent. Patients could face a long, challenging road to recovery, and the loss of function and independence can leave patients feeling socially isolated, frustrated, and depressed. Maintaining a sense of dignity under such conditions can be difficult.
Caregivers provide respectful assistance and encourage stroke patients to embrace rehabilitation, remain active, stay connected, and build confidence. As a result, patients with in-home caregivers can often regain some measure of independence over time, approach the recovery process in a positive way, and maintain a level of dignity throughout.
In-Home Caregivers Help Both Patients and Their Families
Whether a stroke is minor or catastrophic, it not only upends the patient’s life but also the lives of family members who must now take on the responsibilities of caring for a loved one. It’s a major life change for everyone involved that can be fraught with uncertainty, stress, and even despair.
In-home caregivers are a vital resource for patients and families alike in these circumstances. They not only manage patient care but can also alleviate the burden on family members. By managing daily health care, providing companionship, and helping patients maintain dignity and regain confidence, these supportive professionals make life after a stroke a little easier for all.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
