1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Caring for Residents with Stroke MARCH 2010

2. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 2 What is a stroke? A stroke is brain damage caused by interruption in its blood supply. Stroke can result from:  A blood clot (ischemic stroke) OR  Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)

3. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 3 Preventing stroke Stroke prevention includes:  Keeping blood pressure under control  Getting adequate physical activity  No smoking  Watch for signs of bleeding (nose bleeds, bruises) and report to the nurse

4. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 4 The brain §The brain is divided into two halves §Each half controls the opposite side of the body. - For example, damage to the right side of the brain affects the left side of the body §The right brain is our creative center. §The left brain is our speech and language center, and our calculator.

5. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 5 Effects of stroke Depending on its location, stroke can cause: §Paralysis or weakness of an arm or leg §Unclear thinking, memory loss §Speech and language problems §Emotional instability (e.g., cries easily, anger) §Altered behavior §Perception problems (e.g., black floor tiles look like a hole)

6. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 6 A stroke can be deadly Stroke can damage areas of brain needed for: §Breathing §Heart regulation §Swallowing Stroke can cause immediate or delayed death.

7. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 7 Caregiving tips §Always assume the person with a stroke is aware even if the person appears to be sleepy or confused. §Be respectful in all your interactions. §Treat the person as you would want to be treated.

8. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 8 More caregiving tips §Remember that sleep time is healing time. §Allow the resident to sleep uninterrupted when possible. §Aim for a balance between sleep and activity. §Guard against over-stimulation (e.g., noisy visitors, loud radio/TV, bright lights)

9. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 9 Patience is key  Stroke can take away all previously learned skills.  Caregivers may need to help the person to re-learn the basics of: –Eating –Grooming –Toileting –Dressing  This all takes time! It’s easy--for you and the resident--to get discouraged.

10. Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. March 2010 Caring for residents with stroke 10 Focus on the positive §Remind the person of his or her progress. §Small improvements add up over time. §While not everyone makes a full recovery, improvements in function can continue for many years. §Encourage residents to be as independent as possible.