Stroke Awareness at Georges Estate

Stroke is a prevalent health concern amongst us all but particularly older adults. At Georges Estate, we are committed to promoting awareness and ensuring the well-being of our residents. August 7-13 is Stroke Awareness Week, highlighting that recognising the signs of a stroke is essential for early intervention and maximising the chances of a successful recovery. As the population of older adults continues to grow, it’s important to educate ourselves and our community on how to identify the signs of a stroke and what actions to take. 

F.A.S.T – know the signs

The signs of a stroke can vary, but the acronym FAST is commonly used to help identify them: 

Face drooping – One side of the face may appear droopy or uneven when smiling.
Arm weakness – Weakness or numbness in one arm, making it difficult to lift or hold objects.
Speech difficulties – Speech may be slurred or difficult to understand.
Time is crucial – If any of these signs are present, it is important to act quickly and call 000 immediately. 

Prompt action is vital because timely treatment significantly improves the outcome for stroke patients. Additionally, it is important to note that there are other symptoms that may also indicate a stroke. These include confusion, dizziness or loss of coordination/balance, and visual changes. By educating ourselves and our community about these signs, we can empower everyone, and in particular older adults to seek help quickly, minimising the potential impact of a stroke.

Health factors

Older adults face an elevated risk of stroke, with contributing factors such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), a family history of stroke, and advancing age itself. In addressing the issues we have control over by making some lifestyle adjustments, the risk can be reduced. 

It’s important to acknowledge that the impact of a stroke extends beyond our physical health. Stroke not only impacts motor function but also affects the social and emotional aspects of a person’s life. They can lead to low self-esteem, depression, cognitive impairments, and a decrease in social contact, which when combined can significantly decrease quality of life.

Recovery and Georges Estate

Post-stroke recovery can be a slow but steady journey, often requiring a multifaceted approach involving physical, occupational, speech, and psychological therapies. At Georges Estate, we recognise the importance of addressing these challenges and supporting our residents throughout their recovery and beyond. With our accommodation and care offerings for both high dependency and low care needs, your care and recovery are based on your individual needs. We strongly believe in a whole-of-person approach to our care, and this holistic approach ensures we support your mental physical, and spiritual well-being. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, we strive to empower our residents to regain their independence and improve their overall quality of life.

To learn more about Georges Estate and our various in-house supports, including an allied and primary health clinic and dedicated training and education centre, please get in touch with us today.

For further information on risk factors and treatments for stroke as well as what to look out for, head to ​​the Australian Stroke Foundations website.  https://strokefoundation.org.au/

Brittany

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