While providing senior care for an aging loved one, it is possible that he will encounter medical conditions and events that will dramatically change his life. Providing care for this aging loved one means that you must be aware of the potential for these issues, and dedicate yourself to becoming as educated as you can about these conditions and what can be done about them. One such condition is aphasia. This is a condition that commonly occurs after a person suffers a stroke, but can also occur following any form of traumatic brain injury. Those with aphasia will have difficulty communicating due to serious negative impact on their speech and language capabilities. This can be a frightening and frustrating condition both for the sufferer and care providers. In the Aphasia Hope Association is dedicated to raising awareness about aphasia and supporting survivors and caregivers in living healthy, happy lives that involve managing aphasia rather than revolve around it.

This June is National Aphasia Awareness. Join with the Aphasia Hope Association, stroke and brain injury survivors, caregivers, the medical community, and other organizations to raise awareness and provide education regarding aphasia, its risk factors, and how it can be appropriately and effectively managed and treated. If your aging loved one has recently suffered a stroke, you may notice that he is showing symptoms of aphasia. Participating in National Aphasia Awareness Month and seeking the support and encouragement of the Association as well as other survivors and caregivers can help you to better handle your loved one’s condition, and find ways that you can provide better care for him on an ongoing basis.

As prevention is always preferable to finding a cure, there are some things that you can integrate into your senior care efforts that can help lower your loved one’s risk of experiencing a stroke if he has not already had one. Some of these include:

  • Studies have indicated that people who consume at least six ounces per day of white fleshed produce are at less than half the risk of experiencing a stroke as those who do not. This type of produce includes cucumbers, pears, apples, and cauliflower.
  • Consumption of coffee on a daily basis is linked to a lower risk of experiencing a stroke. Make sure that your loved one can handle the caffeine, however, before encouraging him to drink it.
  • Monitor your loved one’s consumption of salt. Those who have high salt consumption on a regular basis are at far higher risk of experiencing a stroke than those with moderate to low salt consumption.
  • Encourage your aging loved one to include foods high in lycopene in his regular diet. These foods include grapefruit, guava and watermelon.

 

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of senior care services in Lafayette, CA contact the caregivers at Hillendale Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (925) 948-8280 for more information.