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What to Do While Your Parent Is in the Hospital After a Stroke

January 4, 2017

Elder Care in Jupiter Island FL

Elder Care in Jupiter Island FLEach year throughout the United States approximately 800,000 people suffer a stroke. If your elderly loved one is one of these people, it is important that you are prepared to give them the care that they need to get them through their recovery. This starts when your parent is still in the hospital immediately after suffering the stroke. As your parent’s family caregiver, it is your responsibility to not only ensure that they are getting the care that they need from their medical team but that they are prepared to return home to a care environment that is supportive and nurturing. What you should do while your elderly parent is in the hospital after they experience a stroke include: • Remain in close contact with their medical team. Make sure that you take the time to meet each member of your parent’s medical team. This not only establishes you as the important connection in this care journey, but also gives you the network of people to seek out if you have questions or need information.
• Be vigilant about delirium. Elderly adults who enter the hospital are at risk of developing a condition called hospital-induced delirium. This is a rapid decline in their cognitive functioning and state of mind that can be extremely dangerous. If your parent develops this condition they are at twice the risk of dying within the year. Pay close attention to their condition throughout their time in the hospital to ensure that they do not suffer this condition, or that if they begin to develop it they can get the attention that they need.
• Learn everything you need about their recovery. Talk to your parent’s doctor about your loved one’s care plans going into their recovery. This should include how long they will need to stay in the hospital, what types of treatments they will receive while there, and what types of prescriptions and treatments they will need to comply with once they return home. Getting this information now will prepare you for each step as the two of you move forward in this new chapter. Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the most nurturing, effective, and meaningful decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. The highly personalized services of an elderly home care services provider can ensure that your parent gets the support, care, and assistance that they need to live the healthiest, safest, and most comfortable lifestyle possible as they age in place. This can be particularly meaningful if they suffer a serious medical condition such as a stroke. This care provider can help your parent understand the treatment and prescription guidelines given by their doctor, encourage them to eat a healthier diet, support a more active lifestyle, and give them the services that will help them live better throughout and after their recovery. The earlier that you start this care for your parent after their stroke, the more benefit that they can receive from it. Source https://www.strokesurvivorblog.com/ http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Jupiter Island, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.