7 Ways to Reduce Your Aging Parent’s Stroke Risk

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing approximately 140,000 people each year. It’s also a leading cause of long-term disability. Having a family history of stroke increases the risk of having one, but there are things you can do to lower your aging loved one’s risk. 

 

1. Reduce Blood Pressure Levels 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of experiencing a stroke. Medications and lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and reducing salt intake, can decrease blood pressure levels. The American Heart Association recommends keeping blood pressure levels less than 120/80. Make sure your loved one regularly monitors his or her blood pressure levels and takes prescribed medications. Contact the doctor immediately if your loved one’s blood pressure levels are rising. 

Stroke is a serious health concern that can affect a senior’s independence and overall quality of life. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fremont families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

 

2. Discourage Smoking 

Smoking thickens the blood and increases the plaque inside the arteries, making it easier for blood clots to form. Talk with a doctor about recommended ways to quit. Nicotine patches or pills, counseling, and medications can help your loved one quit the smoking habit. 

 

3. Promote Healthy Weight Loss 

If your loved one is overweight, he or she is at higher risk for hypertension and diabetes, which raise the risk of a stroke. Ideally, a senior’s BMI (body mass index) should be less than 25. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reducing calorie intake to 1,500 to 2,000 per day, and exercising can help your loved one shed extra pounds and reduce his or her stroke risk. 

Maintaining healthy habits is often easier for older adults when they have the right support. Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

 

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption 

While having one drink of alcohol per day can decrease the risk of stroke, having two or more increases the risk. If your loved one chooses to drink, encourage having no more than one per day. Red wine contains resveratrol, which is believed to protect the brain and heart and is a good choice for your loved one’s daily drink. 

 

5. Keep Blood Sugar Levels Stable 

If your loved one has diabetes, it’s important to keep his or her blood sugar levels stable. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels, making it easier for clots to form. Help your loved one check his or her blood sugar levels in the morning when waking up and two hours after each meal. If levels aren’t within the guidelines given by the doctor, make an appointment to get your loved one’s medications adjusted. 

 

6. Get Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation 

Atrial fibrillation, also known as quivering heart, is a type of irregular heartbeat that makes it easier for clots to form. If these clots travel to the brain, your loved one could experience a stroke. Medications can control atrial fibrillation. If your loved one experiences heart palpitations or shortness of breath, schedule an appointment with the doctor to check for atrial fibrillation and help your loved one get started on a treatment plan. 

 

7. Encourage Exercise

Regular exercise can help your loved one shed extra pounds, strengthen his or her heart, and reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Take a walk with your loved one, help him or her enroll in a group exercise class, or encourage swimming at the local pool for a fun way to get in shape and reduce the risk of stroke. 

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Fremont live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.