As a home care and personal assistant agency in Philadelphia, PA, we at Prestige Home Care see the damage a stroke can do every day. The impact on an individual can be substantive, changing the entire makeup of daily life. Strokes go beyond that, however. They affect the entire family of a loved one in various ways from schedules to helping maintain the living space. 

Strokes occur when oxygen-carrying blood vessels are blocked or ruptured. As a result, part of the brain receives less oxygen than needed, killing nerve cells. For every hour without treatment, the brain ages 3.6 years. 

Stroke Types

There are three types of strokes:

1. Ischemic: caused by a clot blocking an artery to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic: caused by an artery rupturing in the brain.
3. TIA (mini-stroke): caused by a temporary blockage.

Of these, the Ischemic is the most common (87%).

Stroke Symptoms

There are certain symptoms you may notice in someone having a stroke including:

• Facial weakness or drooping (usually on one side).
• Numbness in an arm, leg, or along one side of the body. 
• Confusion 
• Blurred vision or partial loss
• Lack of balance
• Difficulty speaking.
• Trouble understanding.
• Severe headache.

The American Heart Association places stroke as one of the leading causes of disability and death among adults in the US. Every 40 seconds, someone experiences a stroke. Every four minutes, someone doesn’t survive it. 

Important Lessons about Stroke Awareness

Learning about strokes allows you to better watch for strokes, and care for individuals afterward depending on the outcome. 

1. Stroke Risk Factors

There are several factors that increase a person’s risk for a stroke including smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and previous strokes. Approximately 1 in 4 people who experienced a stroke once, will have another one.

2. What to do if a Person is Having a Stroke

If a person illustrates any of the previous symptoms, there is no time to lose. Call 911. Every minute you wait means more brain cells are dying. The earlier you detect a stroke and get that person to medical attention, the greater the chances become for recovery. There is a specific medication called Alteplase that only helps if it’s given within the first three hours from the onset of symptoms, yet under 20% of patients arrive in time for its administration. 

3. Age is only a number

While it is true that older adults experience a higher degree of strokes, anyone can have a stroke at any time. So if you see the signs, respond with all due urgency no matter the person’s age. 

4. Family is important to recovery. Every family’s situation is different, but proper

education in stroke care will make recovery more successful and supportive. Having said that, a caregiver may not be able to provide round-the-clock help due to work and other personal responsibilities. The caregiver needs self-care, too, to avoid burning out. 

Prestige Home Care Agency of Philadelphia can meet with you regarding your loved one’s situation and create a personalized plan of care for recovery. We have skilled home care assistants who will help you every step of the way, and provide peace of mind. 

You can contact us in three ways:

Our online contact form,

Email info@prestigehca.com, or

Call 215-677-3299