What is it?
A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a section of the brain is cut off. Strokes are a medical emergency that require immediate treatment. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less likely it is that permanent damage will occur.
The brain, like all organs, requires the nutrients and oxygen provided by blood to operate effectively. Brain cells begin to die when the supply of blood is restricted or stopped. This can result in brain injury, disability, and even death.
A related condition known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) occurs when the blood flow to the brain is momentarily disrupted. This results in what is known as a mini stroke. It can last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours. TIAs should be treated right away because they are often a warning sign that you are close to suffering a full stroke.
Get medical advice as soon as possible, even if your symptoms get better.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST:
- Face: the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
- Arms: the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them up because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech: their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
- Time: it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
You can find out more information here: Stroke Association | Home
How Comfort Care At Home can help
We understand the life-changing impact that a stroke has on a person and the special care they require afterwards. The amount of time it can take to recover after having a stroke varies from person to person and so does the level of support required.
In the event that your loved one has recently had a stroke, Comfort Care At Home offers specialist stroke rehabilitation care to help your loved one make as full a recovery as possible through rehabilitation exercises, walks and other complementary activities. We will give your loved one the additional support they need to stay on top of day-to-day activities and their personal care and rebuild their confidence.
This can include tasks like preparing healthy meals, popping to the shops, managing medication, cleaning, tidying and more.
Our care professionals understand the emotional toll that having a stroke has on your loved one. It is frightening, frustrating and debilitating. So, our care professionals go to great lengths to brighten the lives of our clients and help them regain their strength and sense of independence as rapidly as possible.
It goes without saying that all our care professionals are First Aid trained and know how to respond if they recognise any of the FAST symptoms.
If your loved one has sadly had a stroke and you are looking for some additional support for them at home, get in contact with one of our friendly care team members on 020 8610 9778 or email us on info@comfortcareathome.co.uk. We will answer all your questions, signpost additional sources of information and help you make the best decision for your loved one’s care. We are here to help.