According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year, and about 25 percent of those persons have had a prior stroke. This fact is particularly relevant for seniors, as nearly 75 percent of those who have strokes are at least 65 years of age, and the risk of having a stroke continues to grow greater with age. Additionally, strokes are one of the most prevalent causes of long-term disabilities.
Some stroke survivors recover naturally. This is known as spontaneous recovery, and generally occurs within a few weeks to six months following the stroke. Other stroke survivors require more extensive rehabilitation, which includes relearning of lost skills and/or learning new ways to function, and will recover within a couple of years. Still others never fully recover and are left with lifetime disabilities.
In a situation where stroke care is required, it is common that a relative, such as an adult child, serves as an informal (unpaid) caregiver. This role can be challenging, particularly when a caregiver has to juggle caregiving duties with a full-time job, a family, and other responsibilities. In addition to the time commitment, the care needs of a stroke survivor can be very taxing. In some cases, the responsibility can be too much for an untrained family caregiver to handle. For example, caring for a loved one who has extremely limited functioning on one side of his or her body is not physically possible for everyone. Taking on too much as a caregiver not only leads to high stress levels, but also can lead to caregiver burnout.
The good news is that there are stroke care options, providing an alternative to family members taking on the role of informal caregiver. Assisted living is one such option. This type of care allows stroke survivors to maintain a degree of independence, while also giving relatives peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for in a safe environment. Some assisted living residences even provide stroke-specific care.
Who Should Consider Assisted Living after a stroke?
Assisted living residences provide room and board, personal care assistance, housekeeping and laundry, medication reminders, and therapies (physical, occupational, and speech) as needed. Most facilities offer various levels of care, so residents can access the services they need while maintaining independence in other areas of their lives. This can range from the need for very little supervision and assistance, to the need for more extensive assistance with several activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, mobility, toiletry, etc.), to the need for some medical care.
The following two scenarios are examples in which stroke survivors might be well suited for assisted living:
• The individual requires limited rehabilitation and limited assistance
• The individual has a stroke-related long-term disability and requires regular assistance with a few activities of daily living
While assisted living might be a great option for some stroke survivors, it is not the right fit for everyone. This is largely due to the fact that the seriousness of a stroke and the resulting physical, behavioral, and emotional side effects vary widely. Some stroke survivors have care, medical, and rehabilitation needs that are greater than can be provided in an assisted living setting.
ANDRE SANTAMARIA, CDP
SENIOR CARE ADVISOR, OWNER
Andre Santamaria is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and has been dedicated to the senior healthcare field since 2012. He has worked in independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. Andre has a passion for helping people find the resources they need so that seniors get the care they deserve.
Andre and his family moved to Florida in 2016 from their beloved state of Tennessee. The beach, warmer weather, and the pursuit of an active lifestyle attracted them to Florida. His wife, Melissa, enjoys walks on the beach, and their baby feels right at home with his love of the outdoors and water.
Andre and his team have visited, toured, and met with administrators at nearly all Sarasota and Manatee County assisted living facilities. He tracks state inspections and stays informed about any deficiencies of partnered assisted living communities. Through his connections, he can provide resources for all matters related to assisted living and countless other senior living options in the area.
Andre provides his comprehensive senior living search service at no cost to seniors or their families. He offers impartial and objective information about each facility, while his business arrangements allow for him to be compensated by whichever community is selected.
Andre has found a passion for helping seniors and their families find all resources and options in senior care. With his experience as a Senior Care Advisor in independent living, assisted living, and memory care, he is able to find the right fit for your loved one.
To find out more, please call 941-218-3813 or visit seniorlivingselections.com.