What to Ask the Physician about Your Parent’s Stroke Recovery

by | Dec 5, 2022 | Stroke Care

A stroke is a frightening experience, and although the majority of seniors who have strokes survive, they can face a challenging recovery process. Depending on the severity of the stroke, your senior loved one could need ongoing therapy and in-home stroke care to help him or her fully recover. Here are some important questions you’ll want to ask your loved one’s physician to ensure an effective and efficient recovery process. 

How Long Is the Recovery Process?

There’s no set length of time for stroke recovery, but a physician knowledgeable with a senior’s history can make the best prognosis. 

Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Home care service professionals are trained to help seniors who need extensive assistance. With the help of a professional caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.

When Can My Loved One Come Home?

Not all seniors are discharged immediately after treatment. There might be concerns about recurrent strokes, and some seniors who have had strokes may not be able to care for themselves. The doctor might recommend a trial visit prior to a formal discharge. This will help you identify any potential care issues. 

Do I Need to Make Changes in the Home?

During recovery, seniors who have had strokes are at higher risk for falling in the home. You can make specific changes to decrease this risk, such as installing handrails and removing loose area rugs. You can also hire a stroke caregiver who can aid with mobility support and basic household responsibilities. 

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to the Edmonton elderly home care experts at InCasa Home Care Services for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

When Will My Loved One Be Able to Do Things Alone?

Stroke treatment doesn’t automatically mean your loved one will be independent again. The doctor may recommend a combination of occupational and physical therapies to help your parent regain independence. 

Will My Loved One’s Communication Skills Come Back?

It can take up to two years for speech skills to return after a stroke, and some seniors don’t ever fully regain their speech and communication skills. 

Does My Loved One Require Speech Therapy?

Many senior stroke survivors need speech therapy. This is a crucial question to ask, since most insurance providers won’t cover therapy sessions without a physician’s referral. 

How Can I Get Help?

Caregiving can be a difficult job, but it’s one you don’t have to do alone. Ask the physician for referrals to reputable home care agencies that can match your loved one with an experienced professional caregiver. 

A professional caregiver trained in stroke care can be a fantastic resource for both you and your loved one. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton Home Care providers can reach out to InCasa Home Care Services. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 587-609-6854 to learn more about our customized care plans.

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