Strokes don’t necessarily occur randomly, and several risk factors are involved. Caring for an elderly loved one with a family history of stroke can be challenging for anyone who doesn’t have professional training. Addison Home care professionals share ways you can help your loved one reduce his or her risk of stroke.

1.Eat Healthier

People who eat unhealthy diets have a high risk of getting a stroke. Seniors should reduce the consumption of foods high in fat, like saturated fats, red meat, fried food items, and butter. They should also reduce their sodium intake and eat more fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, nuts, and whole grains.

2.Get Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Atrial fibrillation, sometimes, is also a cause of strokes. It is a condition which involves irregular heart rate. Atrial fibrillation can often cause improper blood flow and blood clots related to strokes. If your loved one has paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes frequent irregular heart rate, they may need constant care and treatment.

3.Limit Alcohol Intake

Excess alcohol intake can raise blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of stroke. To reduce the risk, senior men should limit their alcoholic beverages to no more than two glasses per day, and senior women should limit to no more than one glass per day.

4.Manage Diabetes

Seniors with diabetes have a four times higher chance of stroke than those without diabetes. Seniors with diabetes should monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as both contribute to strokes. If your loved one has type 1 diabetes, monitor his or her insulin and blood sugar levels, and if your loved one has type 2 diabetes, encourage him or her to stick to a doctor-approved diet and workout plan. Make sure to provide on-time medication to your loved one and ask his or her doctor about preventive measures for stroke.

5.Quit Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of stroke as it can decrease arterial health, thickens the blood, and increases the risk of clot formation. Help your loved one quit smoking and ask about any effective methods from a doctor to make quitting it easier. Quitting cigarettes can be hard if your loved one has been smoking for decades. However, local support systems, individual counseling sessions, and supportive friends and family members can help seniors quit Smoking.

6.Control Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, which raises the risk of stroke. Older adults should make it a habit to get their cholesterol levels checked regularly. If cholesterol levels are high, working closely with healthcare professionals is crucial. They can offer guidance on adopting a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, and, if needed, taking medication. This collaborative effort reduces the risk of stroke and supports overall cardiovascular health.

7.Fall Prevention

It’s important to recognize that falls can result in injuries that raise the risk of stroke among seniors. To mitigate this risk, seniors should create a safe home environment by removing tripping hazards and ensuring good lighting. Regular exercise that focuses on improving balance is essential. Additionally, addressing vision problems promptly reduces the chances of falls and related stroke risks.

8.Limiting Screen Time

Choosing to limit sedentary activities, including excessive screen time, has a positive impact on physical well-being. This proactive approach encourages increased physical activity, which in turn helps prevent obesity and other factors associated with stroke risk. By engaging in more active pursuits and reducing prolonged periods of inactivity, individuals can enhance their overall health and significantly lower the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

9.Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are crucial for older adults to keep track of their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall health status. These appointments are valuable opportunities to catch any potential health issues early and take prompt action. By monitoring their health proactively, seniors can work with healthcare professionals to manage risk factors and maintain optimal well-being.

Seniors often need extensive care when recovering from a stroke. If you need help caring for your loved one, consider hiring reliable home care Addison Families often rely on professional live-in care services to get their loved one comprehensive post-stroke care to enhance their quality of life so they can age in place with family and cherished memories.