Spotlight on Aging: Strokes
After a stroke, older people are most likely to have issues, such as pressure sores, pneumonia, permanent reducing of muscles that restricts movement (contractures), and anxiety. Older people are also most likely to already have conditions that restrict treatment of stroke. They might have very high blood pressure or intestinal bleeding that prevents them from taking anticoagulants to reduce the danger of blood embolisms. Some treatments, such as endarterectomy (surgical removal of fatty deposits in arteries), are most likely to cause problems in older people. Nevertheless, treatment choices ought to be based on the person's health instead of on age itself.
Some disorders typical among older individuals can disrupt their recovery after a stroke, as in the following:
People with dementia may not comprehend what is needed of them for rehab.
People with heart failure or another heart condition may run the risk of having another stroke or a heart attack set off by effort throughout rehabilitation workouts.
A great recovery is more likely when older people have the following:
A family member or caretaker to help
A living situation that helps with independence (for instance, a first-floor house and neighboring stores).
Financial resources to spend for rehab.
Because healing after stroke depends upon numerous medical, social, financial, and way of life aspects, rehab and care for older individuals must be separately developed and managed by a group of health care professionals (consisting of nurses, psychologists, and social workers along with a doctor or therapist). Employee can likewise supply information about resources and strategies to help individuals who have had a stroke and their caretakers with everyday living.