4 Signs of a Stroke You Should Know
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and it’s a great time for seniors and their family members to learn more about strokes. Seniors are more likely to suffer a stroke than any other age group. Medications, aging, and other factors can increase a senior’s risk of having a stroke. If your senior loved one has a stroke, getting them help immediately can make a significant difference in how well they recover from that stroke. That’s why family members and seniors should know these four symptoms of a stroke. If your senior parent experiences any of these symptoms, call for emergency help right away:
Numbness Or Tingling In The Face, Hands, Or Feet
Some people have numbness or tingling in their feet because they have a condition called neuropathy. But if your senior loved one has a very sudden onset of numbness or tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling in their face, hands, or feet, that could be a symptom of a stroke. It’s best to call for help right away just in case it is a stroke. Strokes can strike with no warning so if you’re not sure if your aging parent could be having a stroke or not err on the side of caution and call for help.
Difficulty Forming Words or Slurred Speech
If you are speaking to your loved one and suddenly they can’t seem to form a word, or their speech sounds slurred or halting that is a sign they could be having a stroke. Grasping for a word or forgetting a word that is on the tip of your tongue is normal. Slurred speech or a total inability to form words isn’t. Call for help right away if you notice this happen to your senior loved one.
Facial Changes
Another common symptom of a stroke is for someone’s face to change suddenly. Their eye or jay may droop on one side of their face. Or their mouth may droop in an odd way. If you notice a sudden drop or drooping in your loved one’s facial features or if their face changes suddenly call 911 right away. The sooner you can get them medical help the greater the chance is that they will be able to recover from the stroke.
Sudden Severe Headache
If your senior parent complains of a sudden blinding or severe headache it could be the onset of a stroke. Call for help immediately.
After A Stroke
If your senior loved one has a stroke, 24-home care is a great option for them to recover safely at home. The recovery process can take a long time after they are released from the hospital and they may need help at home to recover safely. Having a stroke raises the chances of having another stroke. 24-hour home care will ensure that your senior loved one is never alone so that no potential sign of a stroke goes unseen.
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/stroke
If you are considering 24-hour home care in Summerlin, NV, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.