Stroke Care and Recovery Presenter: Susan Lindstrom, Owner GuardianCaregivers.Net ELDER CARE EXPO April 29, 2012

 Susan Lindstrom, Owner of GuardianCaregivers.Net Online Caregiver Referral Network Stroke Care and Recovery Introduction Mark West Area Chamber of Commerce Sonoma County Section on Aging National Stroke Association Missi0n: To reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.

Care and Recovery for Stroke Survivors  What exactly is a STROKE?  Symptoms and Affects of a STROKE  Caring for the STROKE Survivor  STROKE Prevention

BRAIN ATTACK A STROKE occurs when a blood clot or plaque builds up and blocks an artery, or when an artery bursts. This event stops the blood from flowing into the brain. When this happens, the brain gets deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and the its cells begin to die. Approximately 2,000,000 brain cells die for every minute that oxygen does not get to the brain.

Last year, nearly ¼ of a million people in America experienced a STROKE. Leading Causes of Death: 1.Heart Disease 2.Cancer 3.Chronic lower respiratory disease 4.Stroke (cerebrovascular disease) 5.Accidents (unintentional injuries) 6.Alzheimer’s Disease 7.Diabetes Leading Contributor to Long-Term Disability

 Nearly 785,000 Americans will have a stroke this year! ~  Approximately 610,000 will experience STROKE for the first time –-- the remaining 175,000 will have recurrent STROKES.  Approximately 25% of people who have strokes are under the age of 65.  About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.  Women are twice as likely to die from STROKE than they from Breast Cancer  African Americans have double the risk of having a stroke than Caucasians do.  In 2010, stroke cost the United States an estimated $53.9 billion. * 80% of all strokes are PREVENTABLE!

Ischemic Stroke: A blood clot or build-up of fatty tissues block the blood flow to an area of the brain. Symptoms of an Ischemic Stroke Onset Sudden numbness or weakness of the face or a limb on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; blurred vision Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

Hemorrhagic Stroke: A weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing a spill of blood into the brain. The blood becomes toxic and destroys vital brain tissue around the ruptured area. Symptoms of a Hemorrhagic Stroke Onset: A sudden excruciating headache – the worst headache of your life! Sudden confusion, disorientation, or inability to speak, comprehend, or think clearly

TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks) Often called a “mini-stroke” – A temporary blockage of blood clotting in the brain – cutting off oxygen to the brain for a short period of time. Symptoms – the same as an Ischemic Stroke Sudden numbness or weakness of the face or a limb on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; blurred vision Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

People who have already experienced a stroke are likely to have another one.

Stroke in the Right Hemisphere: Controls movement in the left side of the body Controls analytical and perceptual tasks Impulsive behavioral Left-sided neglect Short-term memory loss Stroke in the Left Hemisphere: Controls movement in the right side of the body Controls speech and language abilities Short-term memory loss Shortened retention spans

Recovery Team: ★ Doctors / Medical Staff ★ Physical Therapy ★ Family / Caregivers ★ Speech Therapy ★ Stroke Counselor ★ Occupational Therapy Modifications to Daily Living: ★ Meal Preparation, Eating and Nutrition – make as easy as possible ★ Develop routines for daily readiness and bathroom matters ★ Controlled social atmosphere ★ Pain Management – get help and ideas from doctors / therapists GOAL: To restore as much independence as possible by improving physical, mental and emotional functions, as well as preserving the dignity and motivation to re-learn the basic skills that the stroke may have affected, such as eating, dressing and walking.

TRULY treat your loved one the way you would want to be treated! You can’t do it alone! Healing success demands a team of supporters! Its IMPORTANT to nurture yourself with pleasant activities, laughter, good food, and good company. Don’t deprive yourself.

Up to 80% of all strokes can be prevented —START REDUCING RISK NOW! Lifestyle Changes:  Control your blood pressure  Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)  Quit smoking  Limit alcohol  Monitor your cholesterol levels  Manage your diabetes  Exercise often  Eat foods low in sodium (salt) and fat  Monitor circulation problems with the help of your doctor

National Stroke Association: Careliving Guide – Guide assists the stroke survivor and the family through the recovery process HOPE: The Stroke Recovery Guide – a Wealth of information about Stroke Care and Recovery Books: My Stroke of Insight, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor Angels Along the Way, Della Reese Community: Careliving Community – Carelving.stroke.org -- social networking for stroke survivors and families.