When your mother or father suffers a stroke, it impacts the whole family. Not only is your parent suddenly in need of home care assistance, but also everyone connected to mom or dad may need support. There is no way to prepare anyone for the effects that a stroke will have on an individual and the people they are surrounded by.
A stroke not only leaves your parent confused and often in shock and denial, but it also does the same for the adult children and grandchildren, siblings, and surviving spouse. One moment your mother or father is an active and vital human being and within minutes or seconds, their world collapses. A stroke may change your parent’s behavior or their ability to do essential movements including talk, walk or think coherently.
A stroke – whether considered simple or massive – can change roles within a family within seconds. This may include role reversals and change of breadwinners or adult children taking care of mom or dad just at the time of their lives when they thought their lives were free and clear. Sometimes the stroke of a parent brings on resentment instead of compassion.
When older adults have strokes, treatment, therapy, and a dedicated home care assistance provider may be the best medicine for healing and enhancing their lifestyle. .
If your parent has a stroke, there are some key points to remember:
- Despite the changes in personality, your parent is still an adult. Treat them as one.
- Be patient. Recovery from a stroke is slow, and your parent will need time to establish a new routine.
- Remain calm and allow your mother or father to process each new step and action in their time.
- Talk in terms of what your mother or father knows, and encourage their memories.
- Speak slowly but do not talk like a child.
- Remind your loved one you are keeping them safe to soothe their fears.
- Continue to interact with your loved one. It is important that they know you are supportive.
For information on home care assistance in Fort Myers, FL, contact your local Assisting Hands office
