Surviing a stroke is something to celebrate, yet the side effects of the event often leave a senior frustrated, depressed, and sometimes angry as activities of daily living can no longer be completed independently. Often, it’s up to caring friends and family members to encourage their senior loved ones to maintain a positive attitude by taking the following steps.
Ensure Dignity
To promote a senior stroke survivor’s feelings of worth and self-esteem, assistance should only be provided when necessary, and the senior should be allowed to care for him or herself as much as possible. Thoughtful family members and caregivers who make concerted efforts to respect the older adult can help the individual retain dignity.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Roseville Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Establish Achievable Goals
Seniors who have set attainable post-stroke goals and are able to systematically move forward are more likely to have an optimistic outlook. It’s a good idea to create a physical chart that lists specific goals so your loved one can see his or her progress and look forward to enjoying increased mobility and other functions as he or she goes through the recovery process.
Provide Companionship
If your loved one is mostly housebound following the stroke, he or she can easily become bored, which can lead to agitation and restlessness. Make sure someone, such as a professional caregiver, is there on an around-the-clock basis, not only to assist your loved one but also to provide companionship and someone to talk to. A listening ear might be just what your loved one needs to stay positive.
Home caregivers can be a wonderful source of encouragement and support for aging stroke survivors who need companionship and socialization. Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Get Your Loved One Involved
People who are able to continue contributing to society are more likely to maintain a good outlook and quickly progress in their recovery. If your loved one was formerly involved in a charitable project or volunteer work, allow him or her to return to the service if possible. People who feel needed often have a strong incentive to recover quickly.
Attend Support Groups
Support groups designed to cater to seniors who have experienced strokes provide a healthy way to share concerns. Being able to talk with other like-minded individuals who are going through the same situations and encountering similar challenges is a powerful healing tool that can offer hope.
Providing post-stroke care for a loved one can be challenging. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Roseville, California, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.