CarePlus

Author: Tom Najjar

  • Spring Cleaning for Seniors

    Spring Cleaning for Seniors

    The change of seasons isn’t just a change of the weather, but chances for us to make some changes to our homes and lives. Spring cleaning, organizing and getting a fresh start is a great way to start the season anew. We have all been stuck indoors from the cold weather and now we can get a jump start on the tasks we have let go over the winter season. Here are five simple spring-cleaning tips for seniors:

    Tip #1: Plan & Prioritize

    Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be overwhelming! Make a list of items that need to be cleaned or organized and prioritize which are the most important. Don’t forget to call on family members to come over and assist. This will not only complete the list faster but will make for some fun as well!

    Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to de-clutter. 

    Over the years, there are many items in our homes we have stopped using and suddenly there is a lot of clutter! Donate or throw away unused items that have collected to make room for tidiness and order in your home. Clutter can cause a heightened risk of falls for seniors, so this is an important place to start during spring cleaning.

    Tip #3: Do a little at a time. 

    During the planning process, you may realize you have more to do than you initially thought. Everything doesn’t need to be done in just a few days, especially if alone, do a little each day. Use your prioritization list and tackle a few items off the list per week if there is time and relax in between.

    Tip #4: Check expiration dates. 

    Go through medicine cabinets, pantries and any other areas with perishable items. Having expired medication or food around can be dangerous so remembering to throw away and replace expired items is important.

    Tip #5: Check your battery powered safety devices.

    Smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors and fire extinguishers are all crucial to a safe home and need to be working properly. Now is the time to make sure you have fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors and that they are properly functioning. Fire extinguishers expire, so be sure to check the date.

    These spring-cleaning tips for seniors help to promote and maintain independence and quality of life, either in their home or in community settings

    CarePlus Home Health provides in-home care including: assisted daily living, flex care, skilled nursing and 24-hour care. Our mission is to give professional and compassionate care to individuals. Need support for day-to-day activities?  Please call us at 301-740-8870 or visit our website to learn more.

  • Caring for Our Caregivers

    Caring for Our Caregivers

    Caregivers are on the front lines providing safe and compassionate care each and every day.  Caregivers at CarePlus are essential workers for in-home care. Friday, February 19th was a special day for our caregiving team – National Caregiver Day! Our team came together to honor caregivers across the country and all over the world for helping our adults aging in our communities.

    We are fortunate to have the best caregivers working with our clients! Our team of talented and compassionate caregivers is very important to us. It is our commitment to hiring the best caregivers to support our clients. Our caregivers are qualified, vetted and passionate about helping others.

    As part of our hiring process, each caregiver is credentialed by the Maryland Board of Nursing, undergoes extensive background checks, reference checks, CPR certification, screenings and immunizations. This year, we have put in place routine COVID tests to ensure that our clients and caregivers stay safe. We are also in the process of having our entire team vaccinated. We are ready to support you or your loved one in a variety of situations: emergency, hospital transition and/or for a few hours a day. In addition, you can team up with neighbors and participate in our flex care program.

    Education is a very important part of excellence in care. Our caregivers continue their education by participating in our classroom, hands-on learning labs, and on-the-job training programs with our Director of Nursing. This ensures the quality of care and current best practices. 

    Thank you again to all of our caregivers. Your dedication and positive attitude, on a daily basis, is commendable. You are the reason why we are able to provide excellent in-home care for the aging adults in our community.

    CarePlus Home Health provides in-home care including: assisted daily living, flex care, skilled nursing and 24-hour care. Our mission is to give professional and compassionate care to individuals, while helping them maintain their independence and quality of life, either in their home or in community settings. Please call us at 301-740-8870 or visit our website to learn more.

  • In-Home Care Trends

    In-Home Care Trends

    What to expect as we head into 2021.

    We are following recent trends within the aging community and what that might indicate for 2021. Here are a few insights from 2020 leading the way: we are seeing families and caregivers working together to build strong communication networks that serve the needs of individuals and the families they serve; rapid integration of technology to help older adults stay connected; colleagues and referral partners forming collaborative endeavors to serve the aging community; and, professionals and healthcare providers sharing best practices to improve care and protect clients and their caregivers. All of these efforts have produced a safer and more responsive environment for aging adults. CarePlus Home Health is paying particular attention to these shifts and is proud to offer in-home care in Montgomery County, MD to meet and fill those needs. 

    Another important trend of note is that older adults will continue to choose to age in place.  According to an AARP survey conducted in 2018, approximately 87 percent of adults over the age of 65 want to age in place. While the pandemic has forced more service areas to provide digital and virtual options for care, there will always be the need for someone to provide in-home care for day-to-day needs. The growing number of seniors staying in their homes will increase and in turn, this need.

    CarePlus has been providing care for over 25 years. During these unpredictable times, we have included additional PPE training, testing procedures and best practices to protect our clients and caregivers.  We have made an investment and commitment to provide PPE to clients and caregivers to keep our community safe.  Our CarePlus team is working around-the-clock to provide care and safety measures for our community. Additionally, we have focused infection training for in-home caregivers with specific protocols to protect clients, families and caregivers. These practices will become routine and most likely, the standard of care even after a vaccine and the pandemic subside. 

    Caregivers have been key to supporting those in need and this trend will continue. As stated by Bill Dombi, President, National Association of Home Care & Hospice,  “Homecare has distinguished itself in many ways during the pandemic. Caregivers of all disciplines have really stepped up to the frontlines of caring for COVID-19 infected patients while continuing the serve the millions of others who benefit from home care annually. In addition, through significant media coverage, an increased awareness of the value of homecare has emerged in terms of safety, clinical efficacy, convenience and the breadth of services. That awareness has grown in both consumers and the health care community.” In-home care will continue to address the needs of aging adults,  adapt as those needs change, and continue to grow as more adults age in place throughout our communities. 

    We see tremendous growth and advancements in technology and aging.

    Throughout this pandemic, technology has proven to be a life saver.  Many businesses have pivoted to digital ordering and delivery services aimed at convenience and care for seniors. This trend will continue to grow after the pandemic is gone. Technology trends for seniors include telehealth, and better smartphones with health monitoring, artificial intelligence and security/safety features. CarePlus has, and will continue to, support seniors as they set up their telehealth systems, smartphone apps for monitoring home support programs as well as technology for safety and security. Older adults will find software programs for arthritis, blood pressure, falls risk and other medical conditions helpful, and even lifesaving.  

    Voice-activated phones and television software are helpful and vital for families to stay connected and informed as to the safety and location of older adults, ordering supplies or locating a family member.  Convenience with delivery services including meals, medications and consumer items will utilize technology to communicate these needed items.  In many cases, virtual games and entertainment– including Zoom birthday parties and milestone events— will continue to take place. The most important aspect of technology is the ability to stay connected from anywhere. Throughout this pandemic, it has provided connections to family members, near and far, and, of course, brings new meaning to “call your mother”.

    Over the years, colleagues and referral partners have collaborated to serve the aging adults in our community. Immediately following the rise in COVID cases, many professionals throughout our community connected through monthly meetings, organization networking, senior communities, and Zoom calls. There was no hesitation to work together, pick up the phone to discuss the problems and come up with solutions that support each other and the community. This trend will also continue to grow as we work together to accomplish shared goals. This has inspired our upcoming Podcast that will launch in 2021 with colleagues to share invaluable information. 

    As trends arise, we are reminded of the importance to adapt, support and come up with solutions — better care, better health– despite these unprecedented times. As we close the year, we wish all our clients, colleagues, friends and families a safe and healthy holiday season.

    If you need support, please call CarePlus at 301-740-8870 or visit: https://careplus.xenonprime.net/

     

  • National Family Caregivers Month- Feeling Gratitude

    National Family Caregivers Month- Feeling Gratitude

    During this truly unusual Thanksgiving season, we want to extend even more gratitude for amazing family caregivers. November is National Family Caregivers Month and we are overflowing with admiration for the dedicated people navigating the Covid-19 pandemic to provide care to their family members. Caregiving can be stressful at the best of times, but with the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, we want to help you find new ways to create connections and happy holiday memories.

    With recent CDC recommendations advising against hosting gatherings, this is a perfect time to ensure that families can gather with the help of technology. Video calls are an excellent way to offer a real time check-in with your loved ones that helps keep everyone safe. If your family members have been hesitant to pick up these new skills, this is a great opportunity to re-visit the idea with them. By enabling them to see AND hear the family on the holiday, they’ll get the chance to feel like they’re part of the celebration just like everyone else: virtually! There are great devices and apps that make it incredibly easy for seniors to connect quickly and easily. Devices like GrandPad, ViewClix, and Amazon Echo Show offer fast, easy set-up and the Oscar Senior app can be installed on their smartphone.

    The key to making this kind of new experience less stressful is to find ways to keep the setup and access simple and provide clear instructions. This is a great way to help support your loved ones and the family members who are caring for them. The more encouragement they receive, the more excited they will be to join in on video calls. Enabling loved ones who receive at-home care to receive video calls is a great way for caregivers to be able to touch base well past the holidays, and ensure that multiple family members can easily stay in contact from near and far.

    If your loved ones are already Facetime, Duo, or Zoom professionals, it’s time to add another layer of fun! Why not schedule a group video call where everyone sits down to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal together? Or even find a recipe and cook together? Meal kits are a simple way to achieve something like this and that allows everyone to be making the same dish all at the same time. Incorporate virtual family game nights, where everyone can participate in games like bingo, charades, and Pictionary. We at CarePlus recognize the dedication of all the family caregivers who are going above and beyond in these challenging months, and we want you to know that we are always here to offer solutions and support.

    Visit CarePlus Resources Here. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support, resources and services at 301-740-8870.

    At this time of year, all of us at CarePlus want to wish you and your family a very Happy Healthy Thanksgiving filled with joy, good health and fun!

  • Five Reasons You May Need Home Care Nursing or In-Home Care

    Five Reasons You May Need Home Care Nursing or In-Home Care

    According to the CDC, as of 2016 in the United States, there were an estimated 4,600 adult day services centers, 12,200 home health agencies, 4,300 hospices, 15,600 nursing homes, and 28,900 residential care communities. 

    Caregivers are making the difficult choice of placing their loved ones in nursing homes every day. It is a challenging but an important decision to make.

    Certain factors should be considered before putting your elderly loved one in a nursing home:

    1. They are no longer able to take care of themselves: Everyday tasks are no longer possible for them. They cannot feed themselves, use the restroom by themselves, brush their teeth, or do personal hygiene by themselves. They cannot bathe, walk, stand, or lay down without assistance. Additionally, they cannot cook their own meals or keep their home clean. They are sometimes confused, forgetful, and cannot keep to a daily routine.
    2. Constant care can be overwhelming: Caregiving is a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year responsibility. It can be emotionally draining for everyone and eventually trigger health issues. Caregiving is added to our own daily responsibilities such as family, career, and community. Even though you love them and want to care for them, the daily caregiving grind is wearing you down and eventually, the exhaustion from juggling all these responsibilities may take its toll as you lose focus and make mistakes in your care of them. Your elderly loved one may also see you in an angry mood and that will adversely affect their mood and health. It is a domino effect, but there are in-home care options for loved ones so you are not alone in caring for them.
    3. You don’t live in the area: You may want to care for them but you live too far away to do it on a regular basis. Your obligations to your family and career get in the way of you being a consistent caregiver in their life.
    4. They need professional care: Elderly patients with serious medical conditions such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s need professional care, 24/7/365. They may also be on certain medications and require nursing care that you cannot provide.
    5. You have tried everything else: Your own caregiving may be helpful and compassionate, but it is not the best solution to your loved one’s unique and, perhaps, complex needs. After researching and asking around, you conclude that in spite of all that you are doing, it isn’t enough. Your loved one needs comprehensive, professional care.

    Now, maybe it’s time to place them in the care of a licensed, trained, and compassionate in-home caregiver or at a nursing home. Please, don’t wait until it is too late.  If you need a safety assessment or have questions about your loved one, call us at (301) 740-8870.

    CarePlus Home Health, Inc. has experienced and compassionate home health caregivers.  We offer home care in Montgomery County, MD and the surrounding areas.

     

  • Six Ways to Practice Fall Prevention During Home Falls Prevention Awareness Week (9/21-25, 2020)

    Six Ways to Practice Fall Prevention During Home Falls Prevention Awareness Week (9/21-25, 2020)

    We have all fallen and, perhaps, scratched a knee or dislocated a shoulder. It wasn’t a serious problem and we recovered. 

    However, for a senior, a fall can be serious, even fatal. Falls can diminish functions, cause loss of mobility, limit activities, fracture the hip, humerus, pelvis, and forearm. Based on CDC 2018 data, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older. The age-adjusted fall death rate is 64 deaths per 100,000 older adults, which is an almost 30% increase since 2009. The fastest-growing rate was among adults 85 and older.

    Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 21-25, 2020. This is the perfect time to decrease the risk of falls by seniors by taking preventative measures that reduce risk factors. Here are several steps you can take during this week:

    1. Home safety measures: Install a stairlift, add more lighting, add motion-activated night light, clap on overhead lights, and motion-activated lamps. Make a risk zone list of places in the home where they may fall then commit these to memory. Stay away from these areas or take fall prevention measures to reduce the risk. 
    2. Install bed rails: Getting in and out of bed can be risky for some seniors. Bed rails reduce the chances of falling and also a way of anchoring them when they are ready to get out of bed. 
    3. Install bathroom safety accessories: The bathroom is the most dangerous place for seniors, especially due to wet floors. The addition of support bars next to the toilet and sink, non-slip rubber mats in the tub and front of the tub will make bathing much safer. 
    4. Walk-in tub: These types of tubs are much safer by allowing seniors to walk in and out without lifting their feet up and over the siding of a traditional tub. They can sit inside the tub and bathe as usual. 
    5. Wear practical shoes: Shoes that are at an angle or sit high can put them at a greater risk of falling. They can be difficult to walk in and are a fall risk. Instead, purchase slip-on shoes with arch support, and can be slipped on while standing or sitting.
    6. Speak openly with family and friends: There needs to be an open and honest conversation with the senior, their family, and caretakers. By setting up a communication system, everyone can work together to prevent falls. Have the grandchildren keep high-traffic areas clean and give the senior a cell phone they can use to contact them quickly. Lastly, the family should stop by as often as possible to check in on them. 

    Fall prevention is a team effort with family, caretakers, neighbors, and the seniors working together so they are safe. Use common sense and consult their physician on all safety measures that can be taken. All it takes are a few equipment installations and creating an efficient communication system to provide a safer home for your aging loved one. 

    CarePlus Home Health is one of Montgomery County, Maryland’s, most experienced home care agencies, providing assisted daily living, skilled nursing, 24-hour care, and stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care. Our mission is to give professional and compassionate care to individuals, while helping them maintain their independence and quality of life, either in their home or in community settings. Please feel welcome to call us at 301-740-8870 or use our contact form to discuss your home care needs or those of an older loved one.

  • Home Health Care: Five Things to Look for in a Provider

    Home Health Care: Five Things to Look for in a Provider

    It’s a difficult topic to discuss with your family and loved ones: the choice of a home health care provider. However, it is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. 

    So, in order to help guide the decision-making process for a home health care provider, here are five considerations:

    1. Is the staff experienced and licensed? : Thorough screening of prospective caregivers is a priority as you are ensuring the safety of your loved one in their care. Caregivers must have all the up-to-date, certifications, and licenses for the specific care that you require. Your caregiver should be experienced, professional, and compassionate. 
    2. How many years have they been in business? Every business has to start at some point in time yet a caregiver from a reputable company with years of experience is a plus when seeking care for your loved one. In-home health, companies that have been in business for numerous years may have higher retention rates and more experienced caregivers. In addition, established companies tend to have excellent training programs in place to retain compassionate caregivers and grow referrals. 
    3. What services do they offer? : If you are looking for nursing or supportive services, a comprehensive home healthcare provider should be able to deliver a wide variety of services.  Among those services may be hourly and live-in home care services either at home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. Care Plus provides both in-home care and nursing home services. Our services are customized to meet the needs of the patient and their families. It may be a short-term or long-term plan. Avoid “cookie-cutter” or “one size fits all” service providers. Each patient is unique and deserves a customized plan that will meet their unique needs.
    4. What do the reviews say? : Reviews are a reliable resource that can be quite helpful to you as you weigh the different caregiving choices. Home health care providers that have been in business over the years, should have an extensive list of online reviews.   You can visit the www.caring.com, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google My Business, and Facebook should have client reviews posted on their pages. The caregiver website should have testimonials posted, too. We also recommend that you call the caregiver and ask for references.
    5. What do they provide for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients? Make sure the caregiver offers services for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. As older adults age this may be a need and having an In-Home Healthcare provider who is attuned to early signs of dementia is imperative. Check with the company to verify that the caregivers have specialized training in these health conditions.

    It will give you peace of mind knowing that they have the best care available. These five tips will prepare you for your next steps. If you should have any questions feel free to reach out.

    CarePlus Home Health, Inc. has experienced and compassionate home health caregivers. Call us at (301) 740-8870 for a consultation. We offer home care in the Montgomery County, MD area. 

  • Sandwich Generation: Being A Caregiver for Your Parents & Children

    Sandwich Generation: Being A Caregiver for Your Parents & Children

    As the American age demographic evolves, a growing number of people are finding themselves simultaneously helping their children grow up while taking care of their elderly parents. The people experiencing this scenario have come to be known as the Sandwich Generation, and they face unique challenges. While tending to the young and elderly at the same time can be difficult, there are things to keep in mind that can help you manage.

    Financial Considerations

    Financial matters vary according to the individual family, but money can be a serious issue for people taking care of two generations. According to Pew data, the Sandwich Generation is experiencing a rising financial burden. Tax planning, working with a financial advisor, and rethinking budgets are some of the ways to manage finances. In addition, there are local, state and federal resources available to support families based on income and need.

    Self-care

    Caregivers often forget that they deserve care as well. If you are helping an aging parent or other additional family member while raising children, you are asking a lot of yourself. Remember, if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to care for others. Try to remember not to allow the needs of others to completely overtake your needs. While easier said than done, it can be achieved through planning. Just like you schedule time for paying bills, taking a parent to a doctor’s appointment, and getting the kids to school, try designating specific time for yourself. Scheduling provides a consistent way to make sure you are at your best because you have tended to your own needs on a regular basis.

    Don’t Do It Alone

    As the primary caregiver to your loved ones, it can often feel like an overwhelming responsibility. Since you are in the best position to understand what each person needs and wants, you may have trouble letting go. However, trying to do everything yourself can be inefficient and stressful, so you should consider looking for support and assistance. Call on other family members or engage professionals to help keep things in order. While the person being cared for may object to this assistance, it is important to be persistent as this not only will help you in the long run but it will also make sure that your loved ones are receiving the best possible care.

    Finding the Right Professional Help

    Balancing the increased demands on your life can be a challenge. It is made easier by finding the right match for support. A good place to start is a home health care service to make sure your aging parent is receiving appropriate care by providing the right services for specific needs. The right company has expertise in assessing care services and matching the right caregiver with your parent’s needs. A thorough intake process and regular assessments mean that the additional needs that might arise, will also be identified and managed. While you may feel like you are sandwiched between your children and your parents, finding the proper balance and support is essential.

    CarePlus provides services at all levels of care, designed to allow the family caregivers peace of mind when they need support. For over 25 years, our professionals have been helping families, and safety is always a top priority. We follow CDC recommendations as well as taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe. For more information and resources, please visit our website.

    If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at (301) 740-8870 or email us at info@careplusinc.com.

  • Making Technology Accessible For Seniors

    Making Technology Accessible For Seniors

    The world continues to shelter in place, and even though there is some movement to begin to relax strictest rules, health and safety mean that people are continuing to use technology at home instead of venturing out. At-risk populations, particularly seniors, need to understand and embrace technology to be able to live their best lives. This isn’t always easy. An article published by Forbes, notes that frustration with technology makes “older adults unsure of their ability to use it, leaving them unmotivated to even try.” Luckily, these days, there are some simple solutions that can help seniors adopt technology.

    Simplify Your Machine

    While a personal computer (PC) or a laptop may have multiple uses, sometimes they can be overwhelming. Updates, plug-ins, configuration, and maintenance requirements aren’t easy to understand, and navigating them can feel like it takes an advanced degree in computer science. Enter the simpler alternatives. A recent article on CNET, Here’s the best computer for seniors and elderly parents, reviewed some great alternatives for seniors. The article suggests Chromebooks and iPads that each offer basic functionality – internet access, email, Facebook and other applications most frequently used by seniors. These options are inexpensive and relatively simple, so they present an excellent alternative for a senior wary of tech.

    Dedicated Devices

    If technology appeals to a senior for certain, specific uses, there are some great, inexpensive devices out there that fulfill that need with some additional functions. The Amazon Fire Tablet is meant for use as an eReader (a device that allows you to read books published in electronic form), which has the added advantage that the print can be enlarged for easier reading. The Amazon Alexa Show can be operated by voice controls to make video calls to other echo devices. Similarly, Facebook Portal is a video calling device that is voice controlled and easy to use. While intended for a primary purpose, each of these devices have additional uses like watching tv, accessing Facebook, and connecting to other compatible apps.

    The Right Instruction

    Lifelong learning is the key to getting comfortable with the latest technology. However, not all classes are designed with the perspective and experience of seniors in mind. Medicare.org makes several suggestions for websites that offer courses helping seniors learn technology. Another resource is YouTube, which posts videos of varying lengths and detail. Relevant videos can be accessed by making sure to specify “for seniors” in the search. Finally, there are books. For example, the well-known “for dummies” introductory series, includes an entire subset for seniors, such as iPad For Seniors For Dummies, by Dwight Spivey.

    Safety First

    When diving into the tech world, be wary of security. Technology opens up the world and scammers and thieves make up a part of it. This can be in the form of a spam email, or a pop-up ad on the internet. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance, has an initiative called “Stop. Think. Connect” that includes resources for older Americans. Among the suggestions on the CISA website are precautions about choosing passwords, holding on to your mobile device, being cautious about privacy settings, and divulging personal information online.

    With the amount of resources available today, even the most tech-averse person can get connected. Being able to stay in touch with friends and family, surf the web, read a book or finally write that novel has never been easier.

    At Care Plus, we provide services caring for older adults so they can live their best lives as they age in place.  Learn more about Home Health Montgomery County.

  • Stroke Awareness, Stay Safe.

    Stroke Awareness, Stay Safe.

    According to the National Institutes of Health, “Each year in the United States, there are more than 800,000 strokes.”

    Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according the Centers for Disease Control. More than any other disease a stroke can cause serious, long-term disabilities. The American Heart Association Stroke Council (ASC) says that stroke victims are vulnerable to repeat strokes.

    CarePlus Home Health would like to offer you a few tips on how to recognize stroke-like symptoms and the necessary steps to take to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

    What is a Stroke?

    When a major blood vessel in the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, a portion of the brain cannot get the blood it needs, causing brain cells to die.

    This is a stroke.

    What Causes a Stroke?  

    The two-most common types of strokes are hemorrhagic and ischemic.

    • A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures. High blood pressure is the most common cause of a hemorrhagic stroke.
    • An Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. According to the ASC, ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes.

    When a person has a stroke, depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs, the part of the body controlled by that part of the brain cannot function. Short of death, strokes can cause paralysis, loss of vision, memory loss as well as other possible outcomes – some of which are irreversible.

    Remember to ACT FAST!

    Medical intervention is needed as quickly as possible when experiencing stroke symptoms.

    According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischemic stroke requires specific pharmaceuticals to break up the clot in the brain; medication should be administered “within 4.5 hours from when symptoms first started if given intravenously.

    The sooner a stroke patient is treated with medication, the better. Quick medical treatment may not only improve a stroke victim’s chances of survival, additional medical complication may be avoided.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, the acronym F-A-S-T can help you remember stroke symptoms.

    F = Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

    A = Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

    S = Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred?

    T = Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Stroke treatment can begin in the ambulance.

    Additional stroke symptoms include dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; trouble walking; problems seeing out of one or both eyes; severe headache; numbness of the face; and sudden confusion or trouble understanding others.

    Keeping in mind the FAST signs (see above), it is imperative contact emergency services as soon as possible if you or someone else displays any stroke symptoms.

    Do NOT Let COVID-19 Prevent You From Seeking Treatment

    Millions of Americans are rightfully following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines with respect to COVID-19; however, these social distancing measures should not prevent you from getting emergency medical attention should you experience stroke-like symptoms.  

    Call 911!

    Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained to assess your condition and take immediate steps to hospitalize someone having a stroke. The risks associated with not obtaining treatment for a stroke far outweigh the potential exposure to COVID-19, particularly when healthcare professionals involved – from the EMT to the treating doctors and nurses – are made aware of any underlying health concerns (e.g., a compromised immune system).

    Take Care of Yourself!

    The CDC offers the following stroke prevention guidelines:

    • Eat a healthy, low-sodium diet; include plenty of fruits and vegetables;
    • Maintain a healthy weight;
    • Be physically active.
    • Do not smoke;
    • Avoid secondhand smoke;
    • Limit your alcohol use;
    • Prevent or manage your other health conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.

    Some contributing strokes factors – age, race and gender, for example – are outside of your control. Living a healthy lifestyle, however, can help prevent you or your loved one from having a stroke.