This week’s blog post is by Patricia Dubroof, Director of Community Relations with Assisting Hands Home Care. Assisting Hands caregivers reduce the stress on family caregivers by being there with their loved ones when they can’t be. Assisting Hands provides a number of home care services including lite housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, companion services, senior home care, and help with errands and doctor’s appointments. The professionals with Assisting Hands can be available for a few hours a day up to 24/7. Patricia shares with us some tips on caring for a loved one after a major medical episode.
A major medical episode can cause all sorts of changes for a loved one and you!! We plan for many possibilities but when something happens it takes time and support to adjust to this new situation. I’m going to talk about a major stroke as an example. But the same kinds of questions and planning would need to take place post Heart Attack, fall or changes in Parkinson’s Disease or MS. In a post stroke world your loved one may have limited speech, swallowing ability and can compromise the use of major limbs. Being in a hospital will hopefully get them stabilized but when you get home you will most likely need support. Coming back from a stroke can take months and years. When you get home things will have to be modified to support the new challenges. Ideally, your loved one will have a first-floor bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Is a hospital bed needed? Asking for support from family and professional caregivers is a must. Creating a daily schedule to be sure that activities of daily living are being met like; eating, toileting, exercise, dressing, etc. Beyond the physical challenges, according to the National Stroke Association, more than a third of all stroke survivors experience symptoms of depression. However, the feelings of sadness, anger, and hopelessness that lead to depression can be alleviated. Take a look at the following strategies to help your senior loved one combat post-stroke depression and modifications you can make at home to assist your loved one when they return home.
Combating Post-Stroke Depression
Reach Out for Support
In 2014, Hebei North University conducted a study to investigate the effects loneliness has on depression. Using a study pool of 320 seniors, researchers found social support partially mediates loneliness and depression. Your loved one can find the support he or she needs by joining a stroke survivor’s group, reaching out to friends and family, and speaking with a counselor. Most stroke support groups offer time for family members to discuss their needs as well. As a caring partner you need to be sure to look for opportunities of self-care to stay balanced and at ease.
A home caregiver can provide much-needed companionship and closely monitor your loved one for signs of depression while they are recovering after a stroke.
Set Goals
Keeping their minds occupied can help post-stroke survivors regain a sense of purpose in life. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance recommends setting attainable goals to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Though setting and achieving goals can be an excellent way to manage depression, your loved one shouldn’t overdo it. Setting too many goals can lead to stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression. The key to stroke recovery is to take it one step and one goal at a time.
Eat Well
Alcohol and drugs are known for their mind-altering effects, but some foods also have the ability to affect mood. A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered people who consume too many sweetened beverages, refined foods, and pastries may have an increased risk of depression. To combat symptoms of post-stroke depression, limit your loved one’s intake of processed foods. Instead, encourage a diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of protein, and plenty of whole grains.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need additional support. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Exercise
A stagnant body is just as unhealthy as a stagnant mind. A lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of stroke and can continue to negatively affect your loved one’s emotional health during recovery. Fortunately, regular exercise doesn’t have to be stressful. Just 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week is enough to keep endorphins flowing from the brain to fight depression.
How to Make Modifications to the Home after a Stroke
- Reduce Bathroom Hazards. Bathrooms can be dangerous for seniors with limited mobility. Add non-skid stickers to the flooring of the shower or tub, remove rugs that could trip your loved one, and put a non-slip surface on the flooring. If possible, consider modifications like a shower chair, a raised toilet, and grab bars.
- Buy Dishes Designed for Stroke Survivors. Eating is one of the most challenging tasks for seniors in stroke recovery. Purchase some cups with lids, non breakable plates, and utensils with rubber handles to help your loved one eat without spilling food.
- Switch Knobs for Easier Fixtures. Many seniors have impaired vision and diminished fine motor skills following a stroke, and turning door knobs can become extremely difficult. Levers with long handles are easier to operate for seniors with shaky hands or a weak grip. Use large handles on cabinets instead of tiny knobs.
- Place Essential Items in Accessible Areas. After a stroke, it may be challenging for seniors to raise their arms or remove items from clothes hangers. Put food in lower cabinets and store clothing in easy-to-reach bins. This will allow your loved one to retain independence without harming him or herself.
- Store Unnecessary Items. Regaining mobility can take some time. Until then, it’s important to reduce the risk of accidents. Items like ottomans, small shelves, rugs, and potted plants can all get in the way and make it difficult for your loved one to safely navigate through the home. Consider opening up the home’s floor plan and moving unnecessary items into an area that’s out of the way. Families looking for top-rated in-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, MS, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
If you’re interested in learning more about Assisting Hands Home Care and how they are able to help you or someone you love check out their website or give Patricia Dubroof a call (301) 363-2587.