The aftermath of a stroke can be difficult for seniors and their caregivers. However, with patience and a lot of effort, your aging parent can recover at a faster rate. Below are some ways seniors can speed up recovery following a stroke.

1. Focus on Core Strength

The impact of a stroke can affect walking in many ways, including causing gait changes, balance problems, muscle fatigue, and loss of spatial awareness. Regaining mobility is possible with physical therapy and other healthy habits. When your loved one focuses on core strength, he or she can alleviate joint pain, boost muscle strength, and begin walking at a faster pace. Most seniors concentrate solely on their legs, but to speed up recovery, caregivers need to stress the importance of working out the legs, feet, and core muscles.

A professional caregiver can help your loved one follow a safe, effective exercise plan during recovery. Families looking for top-rated Santa Rosa at-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. 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.

2. Try Speech Therapy

Difficulty speaking is common in senior stroke survivors, especially those who experience strokes in the left side of the brain, which is where the language center is located. Aphasia and apraxia are impairments that can occur following a stroke, disrupting cognitive planning as well as writing, reading, and talking abilities. One of the best ways to retrain the brain quickly and regain control of speech is to use speech therapy apps. If your loved one relies solely on message boards and emotion cards to communicate, encourage him or her to practice using his or her tongue and mouth muscles more frequently, which enhances speech ability.

3. Stay Consistent

Many seniors start strongly but regress as some of their abilities return. Your loved one needs to continue making progress. Sticking to a healthy diet, increasing physical activities as health increases, and continuing with therapy can speed up the stroke recovery process and boost confidence. Keep in mind that moments of regression are common, but your loved one should never become stagnant. He or she should stay focused on a healthy and quick recovery.

Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

4. Manage Stress

Managing their new limitations can be overwhelming for senior stroke survivors, increasing stress hormones that lead to high blood pressure. Good circulation can help the brain function properly, relieve muscle tension, reduce memory loss, and alleviate various cognitive problems. If you want your loved one to recover quickly, help with managing his or her stress levels and find ways to enhance his or her mood, which could include taking up yoga, meditating, and participating in meaningful activities.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Developing a plan with therapists, doctors, and caregivers can speed up recovery after a stroke. Most seniors associate realistic goals with extended time frames, but short-term victories can be just as encouraging for stroke survivors. Eradicating feelings of doubt and preventing inactivity may motivate your loved one to overcome his or her fears and stay focused on achieving each goal during stroke recovery.

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Santa Rosa live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (707) 843.4368 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.