Stroke recovery is different for each survivor. Recovery time is affected by the severity of the stroke and how soon the senior receives treatment. Other factors that impact recovery time include whether the stroke survivor has access to rehabilitation and support for a healthy lifestyle that can prevent subsequent strokes.
Timelines for Stroke Recovery Vary
When a person has a stroke, if there’s no brain damage or paralysis, recovery may be achieved within two to three months. For some people, stroke recovery may take two years or longer.
If your loved one is able to recover at home, a professional in-home caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. Families looking for top-rated Portland elder care providers can reach out to Align Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Recovery Depends on the Stroke Type
The more severe the stroke, the longer the recovery period. Transient ischemic attacks, also known as mini-strokes, occur when a blood clot blocks a vessel leading to the brain for a brief period. Usually, the blood clot dissolves and the individual recovers within one to 24 hours. In most cases, people don’t realize when they’re having a TIA.
When the blood vessels leading to the brain become clogged and narrow, this can cause an ischemic stroke. Clots and plaques cut off the blood supply to the brain, which can lead to the death of brain cells. Ischemic strokes are a very common type of stroke, and recovery time often depends on how soon the senior receives treatment. Clot-dissolving medications, if given soon after an ischemic stroke is suspected, can lessen the impact. Many seniors who experience ischemic strokes recover in two to four months, but it may take longer.
Hemorrhagic strokes can be very serious and debilitating. A hemorrhagic stroke is associated with high blood pressure and occurs when a blood vessel breaks and blood leaks into the brain, causing swelling and cell damage. About 15 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic, and recovery from this type of stroke tends to be slow and can last from a few months to two or more years.
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. Portland, ME, 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.
Rehabilitation and Support Can Affect Recovery Time
Regardless of the type of stroke, many survivors can achieve successful recovery. Many people who have strokes benefit from therapy that exercises the brain. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and self-directed activities, including walking, knitting, playing board games, solving puzzles, and naming objects out loud, all help the brain repair itself. Recovery is most rapid during the first three months, with the greatest gains occurring during the first six months. However, for those affected by aphasia, it may take as long as two years to relearn how to speak.
Stroke survivors can experience subsequent strokes, so prevention is essential. Taking medication as prescribed and eating healthy food can go a long way toward reducing the risk of future strokes.
Making the best of stroke recovery requires a team approach that involves the survivor, healthcare providers, and family members. Additionally, non-medical in-home care can have a positive impact on stroke recovery. In-home care providers can assist stroke survivors with personal care, activities that heal the brain, medication reminders, and preparing healthy meals.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Align Home Care, a trusted provider of senior 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. If you need compassionate, professional home care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490.