The types of specialists who treat elderly stroke patients include:
- Physicians: physiatrists (specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation), neurologists, internists, geriatricians (specialists in the elderly), family practice
- Rehabilitation nurses: specialize in nursing care for people with disabilities
- Physical therapists: help to restore physical functioning by evaluating and treating problems with movement, balance, and coordination
- Occupational therapists: provide exercises and practice to help patient perform activities of daily living.
- Speech-language pathologists: to help improve language skills
- Social workers: assist with financial decisions and plan the return to the home or a new living place
- Psychologists: concerned with the mental and emotional health of patients
- Therapeutic recreation specialists: help patients return to activities they enjoyed before the stroke.
The
treatment that the elderly stroke patient receives depends on the effects of the stroke on the elder. Effects of a stroke include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body that may affect the whole side or just the arm or leg. The weakness or paralysis is on the side of the body opposite the side of the brain affected by the stroke.
- Spasticity, stiffness in muscles, painful muscle spasms
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Problems using language, including having difficulty understanding speech or writing and knowing the right words but having trouble saying them clearly
- Being unaware of or ignoring sensations on one side of the body (bodily neglect or inattention)
- Pain, numbness or odd sensations
- Problems with memory, thinking, attention or learning
- Being unaware of the effects of a stroke
- Trouble swallowing
- Problems with bowel or bladder control
- Fatigue
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Depression
- Difficulties with daily tasks
To find a rehabilitation center in your local area, visit the
AgingCare.com directory of senior care providers.