Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke in Seniors

The signs of a stroke do not change as we age, but sometimes care givers miss the signs, assuming they may be a normal sign of aging.  Time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke.  If your senior loved one exhibits any of the following signs, seek medical attention immediately.

1. Trouble balancing:  including sudden dizziness, stumbling, loss of balance or any sudden change in their ability to move.
2. Problems with communication:  sudden changes in ability to talk, slurring, difficulty finding the right words, failure to understand what others are saying.
3. Neurological problems:  sudden, intense headache, numbness on one side and/or stiff neck.

If your senior loved one is exhibiting any of these symptoms, think “FAST”.  This acronym was created by the National Stroke Association to help family members assess potential stroke victims.

• Face:  ask your loved one to smile...does one side of the face droop?

• Arms:  ask your loved one to lift their arms above their head...can they lift both arms or have they lost control over one side?

• Speech:  ask your loved one to repeat a sentence...do they slur or have problems remembering the order of the words?

• Time:  react quickly as a stroke victim does best if treated within one hour of the stroke.  Call 911 immediately.

If your senior loved one has suffered a stroke and needs care during the day, an adult day care may be a great fit.  Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is the premier adult day care provider located in Fenton, MO.  Our mission at Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is to ensure our members enjoy Good Living Longer.    We are licensed by the State of Missouri and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your loved one to answer any questions you have about adult day care.  Please feel free to visit our website at www.goodlivinglonger.com or call us at 636-343-1600. 

Article by Beverly McKee, MSW, LCSW