This depends on where you live. Someone who has had a stroke may be more physically impaired than someone with Alzheimer's. When they happen together (and with a stroke there is also the possibility of vascular dementia which complicates things even further) you'd need someone who has the understanding and muscle to help the person with the stroke and perhaps give physical therapy, plus you need someone used to working with people who have dementia.
A nursing home may be needed if the person needs a great deal of physical care. Check your state's website by typing aging into the browser along side your state's name. You should see a long list of links that will lead you to services.
This happened to my Mom. Her stroke was very severe and left her totally paralyzed on her left side. She had to be in a NH the rest of her life. It was often hard to say which part of her was more difficult, the dementia or the stroke. In her case the physical problems took more intervention. We kept her on comfort care which allowed her for to be on anti-depressants cuz she would get anxious and cry and keep her as physically comfortable as possible. We did not pursue dementia testing/meds because her physical situation had no hope of improvement. It was a long, sad road. Best wishes. Try to think of what your loved one would want.
My mom had a stroke 6 1/2 years ago. Left her with left side hemiparesis and vascular dementia. I take care of her in her home and work full time. I have caregivers that come when i am working. Mom has been through physical and occupational therapy but her knees are so arthritic she can barely help with transfers now. One caregiver is provided by county we live in. The other is private pay. Once the reach what medicare considers a plateau, they are cut off from more therapy. I feel that this hindered my mom's recovery. It's a lot of work trying to keep her in her home, and can be very stressful, but i am glad i am here for her. Dementia is progressive, challenging and heartbreaking. Check with your area's senior services department. They can help you get set up with everything. Best wishes to you and your loved one.
Physical therapy may help regain some of the function that the stroke has affected, however it depends on the dementia and how progressive it is. An in-home aid could come in and assist with personal care and some chore services. She may also qualify for adult medical day care services which is a great place (in my experiences). A lot depends on how the stroke has affected her. A hand held shower and a tub chair can make showering easier, a bed side commode at night may work well. contact your local area agency on aging for more info on community options.
A nursing home may be needed if the person needs a great deal of physical care. Check your state's website by typing aging into the browser along side your state's name. You should see a long list of links that will lead you to services.
Take care,
Carol