We lost our dad in the spring of '25 after he broke his hip and years of dementia. It was incredibly stressful time and while we were lucky enough to have caregivers in place is took a tremendous toll on my mother who aged rapidly in those six years. She is diabetic and has high blood pressure. She also incurred some really tragic family news (on top of losing her husband) so it's been a tough year and it did not help her situation. I'm really just venting at this point but I would love to know how much recovery is possible. Hoping there is some good news out there on what life can look like after this.
I know she will need to move closer to me and we will need care in place. It just feels so daunting to have to go through this with another parent so soon.
With most strokes, the first days bring the most dramatic spontaneous improvement as the general swelling the stroke can cause subsides. The first two weeks will show what returns spontaneously, and often, with a minor stroke, the improvement is dramatic. Whatever deficits remain after two weeks will require rehab and hard work to get back close to normal as she can be.
I would encourage you:
1. Speak with the MD about location of stroke and areas of the brain affected.
2. Mention that your Mom may need the help of any medication that can prevent a slip into serious depression, given her last tough times; but do know that it is unlikely that these incidents caused a stroke. Her blood pressure and diabetes, however, do leave her predisposed to stroke.
3. Discuss plans going forward and ask about the best way to educate yourself about strokes and rehab.
4. Get all the rehab time you are able; it can make an enormous difference.
5. Do know that the in-home monitoring now of daily blood pressure is crucial to your mom's well being. Omron makes what I as an old retired RN thinks the best equipment. No finger or wrist monitoring; they are not accurate. A good cuff on Amazon will cost you about 35 to 40 dollars.
Wishing you the best of luck.
I'm sorry that you are managing this in the midst of your own grief. To understand that you are not alone can make all the difference. That's why this forum is so valuable and I'm glad you posted here.
If she is engaged in her own therapy and is consistent with what she has to do she may do very well. 73 is "young" for some but "old" for others.
Talk to her and see where she is mentally and emotionally.
She may do well to talk to a therapist about what all has gone on this past year. The death of a spouse is very high on the list for depression and if she has had other devastating news that may add on to her mental health
Whatever her current level of function is now, do not expect that to change much.
Her progress in recovery is dependent on what part(s) of the brain are damaged, and her ability to engage with physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Once brain cells die, they do not recover. They are gone forever. Our brains are amazingly resilient and can learn new tasks, just as a newborn infant does. But, different areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions, and the damage already done in one part of the brain will not recover.
My husband suffered an embolic stroke 10 years ago at the age of 53. It was not treated immediately. The ER doctors mis-diagnosed and sent him home. It was the next day when he was rushed to a hospital an hour away for more specialized treatment. It was too late for the clot-buster. He continued to suffer more decline in the hospital until he was eventually non-responsive. It has taken 10 years for him to be awake for 12 hours of the day, drink a thickened protein drink through a straw, and grunt single word commands to express what he wants. And even then, the word he says isn't always what he means. Although he has improved somewhat in 10 years, he is still helpless and completely dependent.
It will be your decision on moving her.
in 9/2023 my 97-year old aunt had several embolic strokes and made a full recovery. She was hospitalized immediately when it happened, for about 6 days, and then went to subacute rehab. She did PT/OT intensely and she is a VERY motivated patient. She did not however return to her apartment, but she is much older than your mom . I had previously been paying for 24/7 care at home and after the strokes it was too much.
She has adjusted well to residing in the nursing home part of the facility.
i wish the best for your family.
Warmly,
JB