For Caregivers: Preventing Another Stroke
Having had a stroke, your loved one is at higher risk of having another. Medication, exercise, and diet are keys to reducing this risk. Your loved one needs to be active each day now. Walking is a good way to get daily exercise. You might also ask the doctor to refer you to a dietitian. This specialist in nutrition can help you reduce many common risk factors for stroke. And if your loved one smokes, it’s time to stop.
Your loved one may take more than one type of medication. Each must be used as directed. If medications include a blood thinner, your loved one may need regular blood tests.
Tips for Safe Medication Use
Make sure medications are taken on schedule. If timing is vital, set an alarm.
Keep pill doses in a divided tray.
Know which foods or liquids the patient should avoid while taking prescribed medications.
Reducing the Risk of Stroke
Many factors that increase the risk of stroke can be reduced. Your loved one’s doctor and a dietitian can advise ways to:
Lower high blood pressure
Control heart disease
Lose excess weight
Warning Signs of Another Stroke
If your loved one suddenly has any of the problems below, call 911 immediately for emergency medical help.