Home Care for people who have had a stroke

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This happens when a blood vessel becomes blocked and blood cannot flow through to the brain. This blockage can cause the brain cells to die rapidly and immediate intervention is essential. Stroke can be minor or major and the effects will vary based on the degree or size of the blockage combined with the time taken to intervene. If the blockage is extreme, death can be sudden.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The symptoms of a stroke include the following:

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, balancing or lack of coordination

*Immediate action is vital if someone is having a stroke, so if you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms call 0-0-0 right away.

Treatment

Treatment for stroke will depend on the severity and the resulting symptoms of the stroke. Some people are at high risk of a second stroke and their treatment will be managed differently to someone who is at less risk of recurrence.

Treatment may include speech therapy, physiotherapy, exercise programs and strengthening, balance training and many other therapies to assist with movement and coordination.

Drug therapies are also common, including those that thin the blood and reduce the likelihood of a blood clot reforming.

Home Care services for people who have had a stroke

People who have had a stroke often lose some functionality, often affecting one side of the body including their face, arms or legs. Depending on the severity of the stroke, the loss of mobility can be temporary or permanent. Speech may also be impaired along with the ability to swallow.

Having some assistance at home can be very important for stroke survivors and their families.

• Respite
• Feeding
• Personal Care
• Social
• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Transport

If you are over 65 years of age, a Home Care Package can offer you a lot of funded support to help you to remain living safely at home. If you are under 65, you may be eligible for funding through the National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS).

If you need to find a Home Care provider who have staff experienced in caring for people who have had a stroke, speak with a CareAbout Adviser today.