After having strokes, seniors may need to adapt to many changes in their lives. Modifications to their homes and daily routines are necessary to help them during the recovery process. Safety adjustments can vary, depending on the impact of the stroke on the senior’s overall health. Take a look at some of the steps family caregivers can take to help their senior loved ones recover safely from strokes.
Remove All Clutter
Falls are common after experiencing a stroke, but these incidents shouldn’t be ignored, irrespective of their severity. A fall could lead to severe bruising, bleeding, pain, or another stroke. Monitor falls and seek immediate medical attention if a fall leads to serious injuries and negative reactions. Keeping the hallways clear, removing unused objects and personal items from rooms, and tossing out throw rugs can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls during stroke recovery. You can replace the mats in the home with nonslip rugs.
Senior stroke survivors may need help with a variety of tasks. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs Live-in Care, Oklahoma City, OK, Lifestar Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Make Bathroom Adjustments
Every room in your loved one’s home should be modified according to his or her current condition and abilities, especially the bathroom. Making the bathroom safe could reduce the risk of slips, falls, traumas, and various safety issues that impact circulation, the nervous system, and other areas of the body. Some of the safety adjustments you can make in the bathroom include installing:
- A bench in the bathtub
- Raised toilet seats
- Plastic strips on the bottom of the tub/shower
- Washing mitts and long-handled brushes
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Buy Simple Clothing & Accessories
Senior stroke survivors may have difficulty with dressing and grooming tasks, which is why family caregivers need to purchase clothing that makes the recovery process easier and safer for their elderly loved ones. If your loved one has difficulty buttoning a shirt due to lack of muscle strength and coordination after a stroke, he or she could become frustrated, angry, and stressed. These are emotions that could slow the recovery process or lead to a second stroke. Purchase Velcro shirts, pants without buttons and zippers, flat and wide-toed shoes, and other simple clothing and accessories.
Invest in Safety Aids
It’s a good idea for senior stroke survivors to use braces, canes, and other safety aids because these devices can help them manage mobility-related issues. Using safety aids can increase your loved one’s balance and flexibility over time. Some aids even come with features that can prevent slips, falls, and other serious injuries. For example, many canes have brakes seniors can apply on inclines and declines, and many aids can be adjusted and positioned to help seniors get up from beds, chairs, and couches. The objective of safety aids is to help seniors walk after they experience strokes.
Strokes are just one of the many serious health issues older adults are susceptible to. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading provider of senior care Oklahoma City, OK, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn about our high-quality Home Care Oklahoma City services, give us a call at (405) 288-9275 today.