Assisted Living Care For Stroke Survivors
While some stroke survivors recover without any residual neurological effects, others experience severe neurological deficits and are unable to live independently. While hiring around-the-clock caregivers may be the solution for some people, it may not be feasible for others to do so. If your loved one suffered neurological deficits as a result of a stroke, consider the following benefits of making their new home an assisted living community.
Restorative Therapy Programs
Physical rehabilitation may help restore some neurological function in stroke survivors. While not all functions may return, restorative therapy programs can help promote strength, coordination, and balance. While physical therapy may be most effective in the days immediately following a stroke, it can still be beneficial to stroke patients no matter when it is started.
The physical and occupational therapists at the assisted living facility will assess your loved one to determine which restorative rehab program is best for them. Not only does restorative therapy help promote physical well-being after a stroke, but it can also help stave off depression, anxiety, and even enhance restorative sleep patterns.
During the therapy sessions, the stroke survivor will be closely monitored and may wear a special belt around their waist known as a gait belt. The therapist gently holds onto the gait belt to help ensure that the patient does not fall and to give them more confidence when walking or standing.
Memory Care
Stroke survivors may lose some cognitive function that may result in memory loss. Many assisted living facilities and nursing homes have memory care units that employ specially trained staff to help cognitively impaired residents improve their brain function. For example, the memory care staff may organize events such as "recall and reminiscing" activities to help promote thinking and recollection.
Using the brain may enhance memory and improve cognition in those affected with neurological deficits. The memory care staff may also coordinate pet events for the residents. It is thought that exposure to animals can help lower blood pressure, spark pleasant memories of the pets that the residents once had when living at home, and provide friendship and companionship for lonely residents. Holding a dog or cat is a proven therapeutic intervention for not only stroke survivors, but also for all assisted living residents who love animals.
If your senior loved one suffered a stroke and is unable to live alone, contact an admissions counselor at an assisted living facility to learn more about restorative therapy programs and memory care activities to help enhance neurological function.
For more information, go to sites about assisted living facilities in your area.
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