Stroke Care: 6 Essential Items for Your Loved One’s Pre-Discharge Checklist

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Things to Do Before Your Loved One is Discharged in Winnipeg, MB

Bringing an elderly parent home after a stroke can provoke a wide range of feelings, including both relief and fear. There’s joy in the fact that your loved one is able to return home, but how will new changes affect his or her quality of life? Here are some things you can do in anticipation of bringing your loved one home. 

1. Talk with Your Loved One’s Doctor

Speak with the doctor and any staff members involved in your loved one’s care to ensure you know the proper steps for recovery and rehabilitation. Take this time to ask any questions about your loved one’s current abilities, what to expect, medication management, and more.

2. Explore Options for Support

Support can include meetings with physical and occupational therapists, support groups, and local home care agencies. This can help you prepare to care for your loved one, maximizing his or her safety and comfort as well as the overall recovery process. 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. Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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.

3. Remove Tripping Hazards

Throw rugs and electrical cords should be removed from high-traffic areas. Large pieces of furniture should be pushed against the wall to create open walkways from one room to another. It may also be helpful to install grab bars in the bathroom to promote safety during personal care activities such as bathing.

4. Evaluate the Home

Find ways to make the activities of daily living easier. For instance, it might be helpful to set the television up with closed captioning if your loved one’s hearing was impacted by the stroke. Moving commonly used kitchen items to lower shelves can also make cooking easier. Simple changes can promote as much independence as possible for your loved one. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

5. Purchase a Cane or Walker

If your loved one’s mobility has been affected by the stroke, he or she may need a mobility aid. Senior stroke survivors who don’t experience paralysis may still feel weak and unable to keep their balance for long periods.

6. Go Grocery Shopping

Buy foods with your loved one’s new needs in mind. A stroke can often affect a senior’s ability to swallow, so it will be important to purchase foods that are soft and easily digestible. It’s also important to check for any possible food and drug interactions with your loved one’s new medications. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Winnipeg, MB, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (204) 489-6000 today.

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