According to the American Stroke Association, stroke causes a death every 4 minutes, is more likely to happen to females than males, and is the leading cause of disability in adults. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is critical, as better outcomes can often be achieved if emergency treatment is received quickly. It is also important to understand your risk factors. Many people incorrectly believe that strokes aren’t preventable, but according to the National Stroke Association, up to 80% of strokes are avoidable.
Just as timely treatment is important during a stroke, having a plan for recovery after a stroke is vital. Your doctor can help you develop a rehabilitation plan with the goal of recovering as much independence as possible. Depending on the severity of the stroke, going home and working towards resuming your daily activities may be a very real possibility. You may need the help of a trained caregiver as you ease back into your routine for a short while, but if the stroke caused severe motor, speech or cognitive impairment, in-home care may be a longer-term requirement. Either way, finding a trusted, licensed in-home care provider can go a long way to making rehabilitation much smoother. The American Stroke Association has a number of information sheets which provide guidance on many stroke related topics, such as stroke risk, identifying a stroke, as well as this guide to Living At Home After a Stroke. Stroke prevention should be the goal, but when a stroke does happen, quick identification, timely care and a rehabilitation plan with input from your physician and an experienced caregiver can help with the adjustment to life at home post-stroke.
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