If your elderly loved one recently had a stroke, they’re not out of the woods. They are at risk of having a second stroke, and that can leave them with even more damage than the first stroke. Seniors who have suffered a stroke should make a conscious effort to follow a healthy lifestyle to speed up their rehabilitation and lessen their chances of suffering a second stroke. A senior’s treatment plan will vary based on the severity of the stroke, but there are actions families or home care may take to lessen the likelihood of a second stroke in an elderly family member.
Find Out What Happened the First Time
Do you know if atrial fibrillation was the cause of your loved one’s stroke? Perhaps the narrowing of an essential blood vessel? You should certainly make an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician to discuss the best course of treatment, which will vary based on the causes of the initial stroke. Also, inquire more about the presence of additional risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.
Keep Going to the Doctor After the First Stroke
Prioritize follow-up visits to monitor your loved one’s blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Secondary stroke risk can be mitigated with early diagnosis of abnormal changes in any of these three parameters. A senior should have a trusted doctor they can go to when they need to discuss any problems that arise after the first stroke. A doctor should keep track of all new or recurring problems a senior faces.
Focus on Eating Right
Not all seniors know what to eat, or have been eating the same things for years, and do not know they are unhealthy choices. However, home care may help them stick to a doctor’s orders by prepping better meals. Reduce your loved one’s intake of deep-fried snacks like potato chips and other high-fat, high-glucose items if you’re helping them cook. Likewise, replace processed foods with nutritious grains, fresh produce, and lean proteins like chicken and turkey.
Focus on Reducing Bad Habits
Sometimes a senior has had a habit for a long time and doesn’t know that they’re bad or unhealthy. Health standards have changed over the years, and it’s hard to know what is bad and good. Cigarette smokers are more at risk for this. Cigarette smoke is undoubtedly harmful to the cardiovascular system. Chronic cigarette smoking reduces blood flow through major arteries, which increases the risk of stroke. As a corollary, stopping or significantly reducing alcohol usage is recommended.
Find Support
A senior loved one may need more support outside of you and their home care providers. Find support groups with other seniors who have suffered from strokes, and take your senior loved one to these groups. Loved ones need support from family and friends as they adapt to a new way of life. Having those around you who are also on board with the adjustments is a great morale booster. It will also make the adjustment much simpler.
