Understanding Strokes & How Success Home Care is Prepared

camryn236
Jun 24
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

At Success Home Care Services, we are deeply committed to the health and safety of your loved ones. As part of our comprehensive care, we believe in empowering both our professional caregivers and your family with vital health knowledge. One area where quick action can make a life-changing difference is recognizing and responding to a stroke.

Knowing the signs of a stroke immediately is crucial. Every minute counts because rapid medical attention can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

Spotting the Signs: Think B.E. F.A.S.T.

To help everyone quickly identify a potential stroke, we use the easy-to-remember acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:

B - Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance, coordination, or trouble walking? Is the person suddenly dizzy or stumbling?
E - Eyes: Is there sudden blurred vision, double vision, or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F - Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop or feel numb? Is their smile uneven?
A - Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms straight out in front. Does one arm drift downward or is it difficult to raise?
S - Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence (like "The sky is blue"). Is their speech slurred, strange, or difficult to understand? Do they have trouble understanding you?
T - Time to call 9-1-1: If you observe any of these signs, even if they are mild or seem to go away, call 9-1-1 immediately. It's vital to note the exact time symptoms started.
Other important symptoms that may indicate a stroke include sudden confusion, sudden numbness or weakness in a leg (especially on one side), a sudden, severe headache with no known cause, difficulty swallowing, or a sudden change in consciousness.

Please Remember:

Stroke symptoms can be subtle or may come and go (this could be a "mini-stroke" or TIA, which is a serious warning sign).
A stroke often occurs without pain, so do not wait for pain to appear.
Time is critical. The sooner emergency medical services are involved, the better the chance for a positive outcome.

Our Preparedness: What Your Success Home Care Worker Will Do

Our dedicated caregivers at Success Home Care Services are extensively trained in emergency protocols, including immediate stroke recognition and response. If your caregiver ever suspects a stroke, they are instructed to:

Call 9-1-1 Immediately: This is their top priority. They will clearly state that a stroke is suspected, describe the symptoms, and provide your exact address to emergency dispatchers.
Note the Time of Symptom Onset: Our caregivers are trained to record the precise time symptoms began, as this information is crucial for paramedics.
Ensure Your Loved One's Safety: They will help the person sit or lie down in a safe position to prevent falls or injury.
Avoid Giving Anything by Mouth: They know not to offer food, drink, or medication, as swallowing can be impaired during a stroke.
Stay by Their Side: They will not leave your loved one alone until paramedics arrive and take over care.
Provide Key Information: They will be prepared to share vital details with paramedics, such as current medications, allergies, and your emergency contact information.
Contact Our Office: They will then alert Success Home Care Services to ensure our team is aware and can provide any further support needed.

At Success Home Care Services, we regularly train our care professionals on emergency procedures like stroke response, ensuring they are always prepared to act quickly and effectively. We are here not just to provide daily support, but to be a trusted partner in ensuring your loved one's safety and well-being.

If you have any questions about our emergency protocols or the care we provide, please don't hesitate to contact us at 250-857-2165. Your peace of mind is our priority.