Looking for a company that can provide Stroke Care Hove and Brighton? Seniors Helping Seniors is a companion care company in Brighton and Hove. The services we provide in people’s homes are non-medical.

Carers are employed because of their experience caring for loved ones or professional care experience. Our carers are loving, caring, giving and compassionate people with a range of experiences to share. You will be matched with the right carer and the same people visit.

Mike Dooley has thirteen years experience caring for clients who have survived stroke and he is optimistic about life after brain injuries.

We wanted to share some of the key features of our work supporting families and clients after stroke.

We know people want clinical information, so we are happy to share key information from clinicians, rehabilitation teams and the NHS.

Our work starts when clients come home and our skills around prompting our clients and remaining optimistic help people to achieve positive outcomes.

It’s wonderful to see the improvements that can be made in a relatively short period of time with proper support, care and encouragement.

What are the main risk factors for a Stroke?

AGE –  Blood arteries naturally become harder with age, which makes them more likely to become blocked.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES, HIGH CHOLESTEROL

TIA’s Transient ischaemic attacks are known as mini strokes. Symptoms tend to last for a few minutes or a few hours and disappear completely. TIA’s should not be ignored. TIA’s are a warning sign of a problem with the blood supply to the brain.

What are the main contributing factors in LIFESTYLE?

The risk of strokes can be increased by things we do in everyday life like being overweight.

Drinking too much alcohol. Being sedentary. Eating foods that are high in salt, fat & sugar. Smoking.

What does the initial treatment for Stroke look like?

If you experience a stroke, you will likely be admitted to an emergency department to stabilise your condition and determine the type of stroke that you have suffered. Depending on the stroke’s severity, you may need to spend time in intensive care or acute care. Starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after the stroke is vital in stroke recovery.

You don’t need to be 100% back to health before returning home after a stroke, if you are able to perform most of your activities of daily living (ADL’s) in your own home and/or have support/care to assist you, returning home will be encouraged.

What does the first few weeks after the stroke look like?

Typically, people stay in hospital five to seven days after a stroke.  During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.

What does the first 1-3 months post stroke look like?

The first three months are the most important for recovery and patients will see the most improvements during this time. The aim of rehabilitation is to restore function as close as possible to pre-stroke levels. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are the key components to stroke rehabilitation.

What does the next few months post stroke look like?

Improvements after six months and beyond are possible, and occur at a much slower pace. Some patients will strive to make a full recovery, others may live with ongoing impairment.  The possibility of a full recovery is dependent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the stroke, how quickly the initial assessment/treatment was provided and the type & intensity of the rehabilitation program.

What are the long-term effects of Stroke?

Long term effects will vary from person to person, depending on the damage that was sustained and the region of the brain that has been affected. These may include

Cognitive symptoms – Like memory loss and trouble speaking.

Physical symptoms – Such as weakness, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing.

Emotional symptoms – Such as depression and impulsivity – Fatigue – Tiredness and trouble sleeping

REHABILITATION TIPS for Stroke recovery.

Mike knows straight talking is valued by the client and their families. Seniors Helping Seniors carers have experience in helping families and clients after a stroke.

Recommendations

Helpers – Get help from family, friends, or carers to ensure your exercises are practised regularly

Stay positive – Some stroke survivors say that a positive attitude ultimately aids rehabilitation

Keep moving – Add movement or exercise into everyday activities to build up muscle strength

Set Goals – Achievable targets will help to keep you motivated (One step at a time!)

Record your progress – Make a regular note of your activities, so that you can see the improvements as time goes by.

Will I Enjoy Life after a stroke?

Having a stroke is a huge deal for everyone involved and Mike has experienced people whose lives are devastated by the stroke, and people whose lives are changed but enjoyed.