Tips to Help Seniors Transition Home After a Stroke

When you hear “stroke” it brings up difficult emotions including fear and worry. A stroke affects different people in different ways. Many times a Senior cannot do all the things they used to, especially during recovery and rehabilitation. Social workers and case managers can give you insights into what you need to do at home to prepare the space safely in order to help seniors transition home after a stroke.

4 Tips to Help Seniors Transition Home After a Stroke

The transition process begins at the hospital. You’ll need to meet with your loved one’s care team who can give you real insights on what they can (or cannot) do in terms of daily tasks, and what risks they face. Talk about both physical and emotional needs so you have a clear picture. If the Elder has limited abilities with dressing, food preparation, chores, etc., you can look into home care health aids like those Inspire Home Care, PA offer. You can get personalized, meaningful help that relieves a lot of stress for the whole family.

Step 1: Prepare Your Home

Make a list of all the durable medical equipment you’ll need at home, as well as changes in the overall placement of things, like getting rugs out of the way if someone is a fall risk. Here are a few of the alterations you may need:

• Grab bars: Anywhere your loved one may need increased support. Examples include placing them near stairs, in the shower, and through long walkways. Not all handhelds need to be huge, just secure. 
• Assistive devices: The bathroom is one area where assistive devices like a shower chair come into play. You may also need a portable toilet if they have trouble reaching the bathroom in time.
• Reorganize. Strokes often create a limited range of motion. Trying to reach for things on high shelves is not only uncomfortable but dangerous. Make your home “user friendly” by placing readily used items in easily accessed places. Don’t forget the closet and dresser. Try easy-glide storage. You want to give them as much independence as possible.
• Eyes on obstacles: Due to post-stroke weakness, Seniors may shuffle, or lean more heavily on one foot, putting them off balance. Look for anything that could trip them up, like a broom angled into a walkway. 
• Ramps: If the Senior is going to be wheelchair-bound, a ramp for the home will be required. It can also prove useful to people who don’t walk well, so long as there are railings on both sides.

Bringing your Senior home can prove daunting. When you aren’t sure of what you should do or are just overwhelmed, reach out to Inspire Home Care for assistance. Our professionals can do a safety assessment, 

Step Two: Prepare Yourself

With all your attention turned toward your loved one, you may forget about your own needs. Self-care is vital so you have the energy you need when you need it most. When you start skipping meals and losing sleep because of the demands of stroke recovery, think about joining a support group that can give you fantastic insights based on experience. This may also be the moment to contact an in-home caregiver agency so you have extra eyes and hands, and a network of professionals on whom you can call for encouragement, motivation, and answers.

Step Three: Care for a Stroke Patient at Home

Once your loved one returns from the hospital there are a plethora of “best practices” to remember, including:

• Allowing your loved one to “try” a task. Don’t jump in too soon.
• Communicate regularly with your loved one’s case management team about changes or concerns.
• Consult with your loved one’s physician before offering any nutritional supplements.
• Encouraging daily exercise.
• Minding medications, making sure they’re taken at the right time daily, and noting any side effects if they occur.
• Organize your medical documents and make sure everyone knows where you keep them.
• Supporting them during emotional ups and downs.

Step 4: Manage Stroke Risks

Seniors may experience more than one stroke so remain mindful. Watch their blood pressure and keep stress levels minimalized. Our home health care services include personal care assistants who have experience with stroke survivors. They can assist you in watching for warning signs as well as many other tasks throughout the day.

Contact Inspire Home Care, Philadelphia PA at 215-576-2273, or email info@inspirehomecarepa.com