Strokes in the elderly are a major health concern. The good news is that strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, proper medical care, and early detection of signs and symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss how to spot signs of a stroke in elderly people, as well as steps you can take to help prevent strokes from occurring.
Signs & Symptoms of Strokes
The most common sign of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body. Other common signs include confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache. It’s important to recognise these signs and symptoms quickly, as strokes can cause serious damage if not treated immediately.
What to Do if Someone Has a Stroke
If you think someone is having a stroke, call for emergency help as soon as possible. During this time, try to remain calm and help the person rest in a comfortable position until medical assistance arrives. In some cases, strokes can be reversed if treated quickly enough, so it’s important to act fast and get the person to a hospital right away.
Causes of Strokes in the Elderly
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is perhaps the most common cause of strokes in the elderly. Having high blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of the arteries and restrict blood flow, resulting in strokes.
Heart Disease
People with heart disease are at a higher risk of stroke as well. Conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other arrhythmias can lead to a clot forming in your heart, which can then travel to your brain and cause a stroke by blocking blood flow.
Diabetes
Diabetics are also more likely to suffer strokes than those without the condition, due to damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Diabetics are also at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to strokes.
Smoking & Alcohol Abuse
Smoking and excessive drinking increase your risk of stroke in two ways. First, they raise your blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of strokes; second, they can cause thickening or narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to strokes.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common condition among the elderly and carries an increased risk of strokes. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the arteries, leading to strokes by reducing blood flow.
Other Causes of Strokes in the Elderly
Other causes of strokes in the elderly include sleep apnoea, obesity, high cholesterol levels, and a sedentary lifestyle. All of these can increase your risk of strokes by leading to blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
Preventing Strokes in The Elderly
Fortunately, strokes are largely preventable through lifestyle changes, medical care, and early detection of signs and symptoms. Here are some steps you can take to help protect your elderly loved one from strokes:
1. Encourage exercise regularly – Regular physical activity is important for everyone’s health, including the elderly. It helps lower blood pressure and improve circulation which can reduce the risk of strokes.
2. Eat healthy foods – A balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining good health. Eating a healthy diet can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and keep diabetes in check – all of which can decrease the risk of a stroke.
3. Regularly monitor key medical indicators – Keeping tabs on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels can help identify any warning signs of strokes before they become serious issues.
4. Monitor signs & symptoms – Pay attention to sudden changes in your elderly loved one’s speech, vision, or coordination. If you notice any signs or symptoms of strokes, seek immediate medical assistance.
5. Quit smoking – Smokers are at an increased risk of strokes as smoking raises blood pressure and increases the possibility that an artery could become blocked by a clot. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce stroke risk.
Strokes can be devastating for elderly individuals, but there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk. By managing medical conditions, living an active lifestyle, and monitoring signs and symptoms, you can help protect your elderly loved ones from strokes. With early detection and quick action, strokes can be prevented – so don’t wait until it’s too late!
How We Prevent Strokes in the Elderly in Care Homes
At Hilgay Care Home, we ensure that our staff are trained in identifying symptoms of strokes in the elderly. We also take regular readings of key medical indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. This helps us spot any potential stroke warning signs early on and get appropriate medical help immediately if needed.
In addition to monitoring our elderly residents’ health, we also encourage healthy habits that reduce stroke risk in the elderly population. Our carers provide healthy meals and activities to keep our residents moving and their minds active. We also provide smoking-cessation resources for those who are looking to quit smoking to reduce stroke risk.
At Hilgay Care Home, we understand how important it is to prevent strokes in the elderly population. That’s why we strive to provide a safe and secure environment where seniors can stay healthy and happy.
If you would like to learn more about this, or our residential and respite services, then please contact us at 01444 244756 or info@hilgaycarehome.co.uk. We would be more than happy to discuss everything our wonderful care home has to offer and help you find the perfect place for you or your loved one.
Article: Phoenix Marketing