According to the National Stroke Association, 25 percent of Americans who have strokes will have recurrent strokes. In addition, the risk of a second stroke rises 40 percent within five years after an initial stroke. That’s why it’s so important for aging stroke survivors to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising as much as possible, quitting smoking, and taking prescribed medications.
If your senior loved one has had a stroke, the doctor will prescribe a variety of medications when your loved one is released from the hospital. As a caregiver, it’s important that you become familiar with these medications and their purpose in the stroke recovery process. Read on to learn more about common categories of post-stroke medications.
Blood Pressure Stabilization
High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke, especially for people who have already had strokes. Your loved one will probably be prescribed medication to lower blood pressure. There are a variety of classes of this type of medicine. Some decrease blood volume, while others dilate the blood vessels or slow the heart rate.
If your loved one needs assistance while recovering from a stroke, consider enlisting the help of a trained home caregiver. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading Oshkosh in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Blood Clot Prevention
After a stroke, it’s important to prevent clots from forming. Two common types of medication, anticoagulant medicines and antiplatelet drugs, are typically prescribed for this purpose. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, prevent blood clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting bigger. These are often prescribed for people who have atrial fibrillation. Antiplatelet medications prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together. Most people can take aspirin for this purpose, though other medications are sometimes prescribed.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Cholesterol Management
Statins are types of drugs that lower cholesterol, another risk factor for stroke. Because statins can have side effects, it’s important to combine these drugs with other cholesterol-lowering measures, such as proper nutrition and exercise.
If your loved one needs assistance or encouragement to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise, a caregiver can offer tailored care and support while also watching out for symptoms indicating the risk of a second stroke.
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. Oshkosh, WI, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at 920-717-1767.