May is National Stroke Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on stroke prevention, early warning signs, and recovery. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of long-term disability. At BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, we are dedicated to supporting stroke survivors and their families with compassionate in-home care that promotes healing, independence, and quality of life.
What Is National Stroke Awareness Month?
This month was created to educate the public on how to recognize stroke symptoms, seek immediate treatment, and support survivors and caregivers through recovery. Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. With timely care and increased awareness, many strokes can be prevented or successfully treated.
Know the Signs: Act FAST
Every second matters during a stroke. The F.A.S.T. acronym can help you quickly spot symptoms:
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop. Ask the person to smile.
- A – Arm Weakness: Can they raise both arms? Does one drift down?
- S – Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time to Call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
Life After Stroke: What Survivors May Face
Recovery doesn’t end at the hospital. Survivors often deal with:
- Physical challenges, such as limited mobility or paralysis
- Cognitive changes, including memory issues or speech delays
- Emotional difficulties, like anxiety, frustration, or depression
- Daily living needs, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, or getting around
How BrightStar Care Can Help
Stroke recovery is personal—and so is our care. At BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula, we create customized in-home support plans that evolve with each client’s progress. Our services include:
- Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility
- Fall Prevention: Home safety checks and mobility planning
- Family Relief: Respite care so loved ones can rest and recharge
Every plan is built to foster confidence, independence, and dignity throughout the recovery process.
Resources for Stroke Support
- American Stroke Association – Warning Signs
- National Stroke Association – Recovery and Support
- Local caregiver support groups and virtual counseling options
Let’s Raise Awareness Together
This May, learn the signs of stroke. Share them. Act on them. And if you or someone you love is on the road to recovery, know that you don’t have to walk it alone. BrightStar Care is here to help—right at home.
Serving the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley
We proudly care for families in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Marina, Hollister, Seaside, Salinas, Soledad, and King City.
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula
- Phone: (831) 641-1087
- Website: brightstarcare.com/monterey-peninsula
- Address: 2511 Garden Road, Suite C250, Monterey, CA 93940