It’s estimated that close to 800,000 men and women have a stroke each year in the U.S. The majority of these strokes occur in people 65 or older. While a stroke can kill a person, a fast response can make a difference. This is where FAST comes in.

FAST is a medical acronym used to ensure people know what to do and how to identify a stroke. Every family member should have FAST memorized. Do you know what these four letters mean?

What is FAST?

Both FAST and BE FAST are used by the medical world to help people identify a stroke and know what to do. FAST covers the key symptoms of F-face, A-arm, S-speech, and T-time. If you add the BE to it, that covers balance and eye (vision). In stroke patients, double or blurred vision is often experienced.

When someone has a stroke, the face may start to droop. The speech will be slurred. There’s a loss of movement or control in the arms. At that point, time is of the essence. Doctors need to determine the type of stroke before a blood thinner can be given. If there’s a brain bleed, blood thinners would not be advised, but in the more common type of stroke, breaking up the blood clot is important to do as quickly as possible.

Specialists start working with stroke victims as quickly as possible. Goals are to get the patient into therapeutic activities as quickly as possible. Exercises will work on restoring movement to arms and legs, restoring speech, and ensuring breathing and swallowing are possible.

What is Needed Back at Home?

Many stroke patients move from hospitals to rehabilitation centers while they regain mobility and speech. When your mom or dad was ready to come home, it’s very likely that a walker, cane, or wheelchair will be needed. That makes stairs very hard to negotiate. It also makes showering in a combination bathtub/shower a challenge.

Narrow doors or hallways may be impossible for your parent to get through if a walker or wheelchair is needed. A bedroom may have to be moved to the main level. If there are stairs to get into the house, a ramp may have to be installed. Stair lifts, safety rails, and lowered counters and appliances are also changes that some stroke patients require.

The home is just one area where changes have to be made. Your parent would need caregivers to help with meals, bathing and personal care, toileting, and mobility. You can offer some of that care, but you’re going to need help. Elder care aides offer you breaks and have the training to help with more challenging care needs. Call an elder care agency to learn more.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Homecare in Buford, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources:
http://www.strokecenter.org/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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