Understanding Home Health Care

Stroke is a leading cause of neurological disability in the aging population, and it often causes neurological problems such as memory impairment, cognitive deficits, and difficulty performing activities of daily living. If your elderly loved one has suffered a stroke and requires assistance in their home because of physical and cognitive limitations, consider hiring an in-home memory care provider to help manage their condition. Here are some ways an in-home memory care provider can enhance the quality of life for your aging loved one. 

Stress Management

After a stroke, survivors can develop anxiety, depression, and increased levels of stress. Anxiety and stress can worsen memory problems and contribute to cognitive decline and even mood disorders. The in-home memory care provider can help create a peaceful and calm environment to help promote relaxation and help improve your loved one's mental clarity.

The caregiver can enhance the environment by playing soothing music, avoiding harsh lighting that could over-stimulate and confuse the stroke patient, and asking visitors to speak in soft voices. In addition, the in-home memory care provider can also help establish healthy sleep patterns. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can further negatively impact a stroke survivor's memory and lead to agitation, restlessness, and further cognitive decline. By providing a stress-free environment, your loved one's cognitive function and memory may improve along with their quality of life.

Memory Stimulation Activities

The in-home memory care provider can help your loved one with their stroke-related memory problems by incorporating memory activities and exercises into their daily routine. The caregiver can develop an individualized memory care plan that includes memory-enhancing activities such as playing memory games, working on puzzles, and watching the individual's favorite movies to help bring back pleasant memories.

Medication Schedule

In addition to memory-stimulating activities, the caregiver will help your loved one with their medications to help make sure that they take them as their doctor prescribed. Certain post-stroke medications can actually enhance cognitive function and memory recall, and because of this, taking them as prescribed is very important.

If your aging loved one has memory deficits as a result of a stroke, contact an in-home memory care agency to learn how they can help improve the person's quality of life. In-home memory care is a great option for people who prefer to age in place in the comfort of their homes instead of relocating to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Contact a local in-home memory care service to learn more.