At Oak Trace in Downers Grove, the health and well-being of our residents is our top priority. So when the calendar flips to May, we understand that we have a role to play in Stroke Awareness Month. There are 800,000 strokes in the United States every year, and nearly three-quarters of them are in people age 65 or older. That means the residents who call our community their home are among the most vulnerable.
As part of Stroke Awareness Month, we are highlighting the common warning signs of strokes, detailing the stroke recovery process, and sharing how the health services of our Life Care community can support residents in the event that they suffer a stroke.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke
What is a stroke, exactly? It’s a medical emergency that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. When a person suffers a stroke, it is critical that they receive medical attention as soon as possible. Mere minutes can be the difference when it comes to mitigating the damage from a stroke, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common warning signs.
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Weakness in the face, arm or leg
- Speech difficulty
- Face drooping
- Impaired or lost vision
- Lack of coordinator
- Sudden severe headache
F.A.S.T. — face, arm, speech and time — can be a helpful acronym to remember. Look for face drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech. Then you’ll know it’s time to call 911.
Understanding the stroke recovery process
Suffering a stroke can be a life-altering event, which is why the rehab and recovery process is so important. In most cases, the recovery period ranges from five to six weeks, but it can vary depending on the severity of the stroke. Rehabilitation consists of physical, occupational and speech therapies to address everything from motor and sensory impairment to restoring everyday physical functions like standing and walking.
The road to recovery from a stroke can be arduous, but if that path leads you to the health center at Oak Trace, you can trust that you’re in capable hands.
In-Patient Rehabilitation for Downers Grove Seniors
Non-residents recovering from a stroke can access the health services at Oak Trace once they have been discharged from the hospital. By checking into our health center, they can take advantage of our in-patient rehabilitation unit or receive skilled nursing services if they require a greater level of care. The Health & Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art environment that offers a robust spectrum of senior health services, providing for all patients’ needs under one roof. Patients of our health services even have access to all of our community’s amenities and services.
Rehabilitation for Oak Trace Independent Living Residents
Independent living residents at Oak Trace are able to access the complete continuum of health services through the Lifespace Personal Services program. If a resident has suffered a stroke, they will first be hospitalized for emergency medical treatment. But once they have been discharged, they can return to the community they’ve come to call home and receive the health services they need to aid their rehab and recovery. They’re able to attend all of their rehab appointments right here in our community, combining compassionate care with convenience.
Benefits of community health services at Oak Trace
Trust is an important part of healthcare. Patients need to be able to trust that they are being cared for by professionals who are genuinely concerned about their health and well-being. Trust is especially critical in the aftermath of a stroke as the survivor feels their way through the rehabilitation and recovery process, leaning on their support system to guide the way.
It’s for this reason that we require each of our team members to keep up-to-date on the best practices for working with older adults who have suffered a stroke. Our nursing staff is also trained on how to perform proper assessments, including detection and signs and symptoms of strokes. Our team is prepared to provide the best level of care if the worst should strike.
Put your trust in the professionals in the Oak Trace and you’ll be well on your way to recovery.
To learn more about Oak Trace’s community or the services offered at our health center, please fill out the form below or call us at 630-769-6100.
