Did you know a stroke strikes every five minutes? 100,000 people have a stroke each year and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK alone.
A stroke is more likely to happen if you’re older, but it can happen at any age. It is important to know the signs of a stroke and facts about the condition.
What you always need to remember with a stroke
With a stroke you need to act F.A.S.T – this means face, arms, speech and time:
- Face weakness – one side of your face may droop and it might be hard to smile.
- Arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of numbness or weakness in one arm.
- Speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused.
- Time to call for help – ring the emergency services and ask for assistance.
Did you know a person loses 2 million nerve cells for every minute they don’t receive medical treatment during a stroke? Getting to hospital early is essential.
Four facts about a stroke
- A stroke kills brain cells – stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain.
- There are different types of strokes – Ischemic which is caused by a clot, Haemorrhagic caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack or warning stroke caused by a temporary blockage.
- About one in four stroke survivors is at risk of another, fortunately up to 80% of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
- Prevention is key – maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medications as required is best to prevent another stroke.
How we can help
At Synergy, we know how a stroke affects every single person differently and we understand that a one size fits all approach doesn’t work. We ensure each care plan is tailored to each client.
Care plans are with each individuals’ unique requirements and update them as and when your needs change. This is done in conjunction with all relevant health care professionals such as hospitals, GP’s, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and the clients family.
Our aim is not only supporting your loved one with recovery but also with social activities and family commitments which help with the emotional effects of a stroke, as we know that recuperation can be much quicker in familiar surroundings.
Here at Synergy Complex Care our expert carers will support your loved one with long-term care after a stroke, get in contact with the team to find out how we can help.