The National Stroke Association lists stroke as the 5th leading cause of death in America, with around 800,000 people having a stroke annually. This signifies that every 40 seconds someone somewhere in the United States has a stroke. And every four minutes somebody dies because of stroke.
If you are taking care of an aging or chronically ailing loved one who is at a heightened risk for stroke, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re able to spot the warning signs of a stroke. The faster you get help, the better the chance that your loved one will pull through the stroke. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:
- Feelings of weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg – predominantly on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Blurry vision or difficulty seeing
- Challenges with walking, feeling dizzy, loss of balance or coordination
- Significant headache without any known cause
If you notice these warning signs of a stroke in someone, remember to act F.A.S.T.
Face: Ask the individual to smile and notice if one side seems to droop.
Arms: Ask the individual to raise both arms. Does one arm droop downward?
Speech: Ask the individual to repeat a simple sentence. When he or she does, observe if speech slurs or if the individual is struggling to pronounce words in the correct way.
Time: Time is critical! If you note any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately or make sure the person gets to a hospital as soon as possible!
At Compassionate Care Home Health Services of Michigan, we pride ourselves on providing expert, extensively trained caregivers to provide assistance for seniors in the comfort of home. We offer a broad range of senior home care services, including companionship, help with meals, personal care, and housework, to meet all of your senior home care needs. Contact us at 877.308.1212 to learn more about the best senior home care in Traverse City and the surrounding areas.