Did you know that strokes are the leading cause of disability in elderly adults? Sometimes, the stroke effects aren’t terrible, but other times, they can be debilitating or even fatal. If your elderly loved one had a stroke, you may want to start learning about the various types of rehabilitation and therapy through home care that can take place to help them get some of their movement and skills back.
Physical Therapy
Just about all adults know what physical therapy is – you may even had to attend this type of therapy at some point in your life. If your elderly loved one had a stroke, it is very likely they will also need to attend physical therapy sessions. It could be for quite some time, as well. The goal of this type of therapy after a stroke is to help the patient learn how to do basic motor activities again. Some of the things that your elderly loved one may need to learn how to do again include:
- Lying down
- Sitting
- Standing
- Switching from one position to the other
- Walking
If you can’t get your elderly loved one to their physical therapy sessions, don’t worry too much. You can always get them stroke care at home. These home care providers can drive your elderly loved one to and from physical therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is another rehabilitation option for those who have had a stroke. The main goal of this type of therapy is to help the patient relearn daily living activities. Your elderly loved one will also perform exercises and training techniques through occupational therapy. Some of the daily living activities that your elderly loved one may need to learn how to do again include:
- Drinking
- Eating
- Cooking
- Bathing
- Getting dressed
- Swallowing
- Writing
- Reading
- Using the toilet
The goal would be to get the senior citizen back to semi or fully independent. Don’t forget that you don’t have to help your elderly loved one with all these things on your own. They will learn how to do them again during occupational therapy and stroke care at home services can help with these things, too.
Speech Therapy
Last, but not least, if your elderly loved one had a stroke, they are likely going to need to attend speech therapy sessions, too. The main goals of this type of therapy is for the senior citizen to learn how to speak, write, and communicate in other ways again. If your elderly loved one can understand speech, but they can’t talk well after the stroke, these sessions should help a great deal. With patience and time, your elderly loved one should regain some, if not all, their communication skills.
Conclusion
Did your elderly loved one have a stroke? If so, these are some of the stroke rehabilitation therapies that your elderly loved one may need to attend. If needed, you can also get your elderly loved one stroke care at home, too.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Everett, MA, or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Community Care today. (781) 643-6090
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/rehabilitation-after-stroke