More than 66,250 Americans will experience a stroke each year, and for three out of four stroke victims it will not have been their first stroke. Strokes are far more likely to affect older adults. Nearly three of every four strokes occur to individuals 65 years of age and older. The best thing you can do if you are a caregiver for an older adult is get them to emergency care at a hospital as soon as possible after the first signs of a stroke. And, of course, the best way to be able to do that is to be able to recognize the warning signs of the onset of a stroke.
As you look for signs of the onset of stroke, appreciate that strokes can run a gamut from a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack to full-blown hemispheric strokes which can compromise the function of a person's entire right or left side. The only difference between the mini and the major stroke is that the former tend to be temporary. The warning signs also can run the gamut from modest signs of something wrong to dramatic changes in a moment. All the warning signs carry a common element, and that is that they have a sudden onset. The American Stroke Association offers five warning signs:
- Sudden and dramatic headache that seems to come out of nowhere;
- Sudden loss of coordination or dizziness or imbalance;
- Sudden trouble focusing in either or both eyes;
- Sudden confusion or difficulty in forming words or comprehension; or
- Sudden numbness in an arm, leg or the side of the face (the tell is that it will be asymmetric - just one side).
If you see these signs, immediately call 9-1-1 immediately for intervention. Rapid diagnosis of the type of stroke will enable the providers to determine the appropriate treatment to mitigate the long term effects of a stroke. And unlike a heart attack, the symptoms of stroke appear to be fairly consistent between men and women.
If you are a caregiver to an elder, you can also help manage the risk factors like blood pressure, heart disease like atrial fibrillation, cholesterol levels, diabetes, excessive weight, smoking or alcohol consumption. The American Heart Association offers more tips on both the warning signs and what you can do to prevent stokes. This knowledge makes it possible for you to be more than a caregiver; you can be a life saver.
We are the professionals who help families who are caring for older adults (geriatric care management) or others with special needs in Illinois. Our professional geriatric care managers and special needs case managers can be your eyes and ears when you simply cannot. You can count on us to help you manage both your care-giving responsibilities, and those of your family and your work that cannot be ignored...or postponed. Some of our clients refer to us as their Sister in ChicagoSM.
Find services and web sites which can help you as a caregiver to an older adult or someone with special needs on our Resources page: http://www.creativecasemanagement.com/resources.aspx. Get helpful advice and support from Charlotte Bishop on her blog page: http://www.creativecasemanagement.com/blog.aspx.
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