No one is prepared to hear a parent had a stroke. The panicked rush of thoughts that follows that call can make it hard to think straight. Take a few clearing breaths and then schedule a consultation with your dad’s medical team. In the next weeks, months, and even years, your dad will need a lot of support. Some of that support can be provided by hiring in-home care services for him.
Here’s a quick list of the things you can do to help support him.
Set Up the Home to Be Easier to Move Around
If your dad needs a wheelchair or walker, which is likely, his home needs to accommodate his needs. It’s possible his home won’t be suitable without some changes, and you have to prepare for that.
He’ll need a bedroom and bathroom on the main level of his home. If he’s in a one-level ranch, it’s perfect, but he might have a cape where the bedrooms are upstairs and the bathroom is downstairs. Turn a den into a bedroom if possible.
His main level should have access to the outside, a kitchen area or kitchenette if needed, a sitting area, a bathroom, and a bedroom. In a raised ranch, you could set up the lowest level with a small refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and induction burner to create a suitable kitchenette.
Grab bars in the bathroom, a shower seat, and clutter-free pathways to the main areas are important. If there are any loose decorative rugs, remove them for now.
Have a Medication Management System In Place
Your dad will be taking medications regularly. Invest in a pill organizer that has alarms that go off to help your dad remember to take his medications. If his vision was impacted by the stroke, an audible alarm will be better than a flashing light.
Make sure someone is keeping track of refills. Order a refill a week before he’s going to run out. If you can automate it and have them shipped to his home, that’s ideal. Just make sure the refill arrives on time.
He’ll Need Transportation
Your dad is going to have a lot of follow-up appointments and sessions with speech, occupational, and physical therapists. He cannot drive, so make sure someone is free to take him to these appointments.
Ideally, get a car that is higher off the ground than a compact or sedan. A mid-range SUV will be much easier for him to climb in and out of, especially if he needs a walker or wheelchair.
Arrange In-Home Care Services
Your dad’s medical team will recommend physical therapy before he even leaves the hospital. Make sure he attends all of his appointments. If you have a hard time getting him in and out of your car, ask about in-home care providers to take him.
A physical therapist can arrange sessions and provide a routine to be done at home with in-home care ensuring he sticks to a routine to regain his skills following his stroke.
If you or a loved one need In-Home Care Services in Catasauqua PA or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
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