People who suffer from any sudden decline in heath and independence such as stroke may result to feelings of frustration, isolation and depression. ContinuCare Home Health Inc in San Antonio Texas makes it a point for their home health aides to encourage independence and a sense of purpose to prevent depression from settling in. Even with patients who are paralyzed, encouragement when it comes to personal care needs assistance is a must. It is important to make sure there are pleasurable and familiar activities included in a stroke patient’s day routine. ContinuCare Home Health also provides physical therapists if needed.

Stroke often leaves a person with speech impairment. Home health aides will make sure a patient can communicate his or her wishes in appropriate ways, such as providing pencil and paper or fashioning communication in yes or no questions. Attentive home health aides also make it a point to recognize changes in the patient’s facial expression like grimacing when feeling discomfort or disagreement. For patients who can still write, they are encouraged to keep a journal so they can write down their thoughts, hopes and fears without the need to feel frustrated or pressured of not being able to communicate like before.

Stroke patients may also suffer from memory loss and other cognitive issues. Trained home health aides can orient the patients in place and time by writing out the day and date in big letters on a board or paper, putting a clock highly visible from the patient’s bed or reading the morning newspaper out loud.

Nearly 1 in 4 strokes that happen in the US yearly are from people who already had a previous stroke episode. The American Heart Association lists down some recognizable signs of a stroke:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

It is therefore important for patients to follow the doctor’s orders and plan of care to reduce any stoke risk.

ContinuCare Home Health Inc. knows how highly frustrating and isolating taking care of a stroke survivor is. That is why we will work with you doctor to create a “Plan of Care,” that is specific to your loved one’s stroke rehabilitation program. Our Nursing Team is ready and to assist you through the challenging yet hopeful season in your life.