FAST: Recognising the signs of a stroke and supporting recovery with live-in care

A stroke is a sudden, life-altering event that can impact not only the individual experiencing it but their entire family. The road to recovery may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and support, it can also be a journey of resilience. At Consultus Care and Nursing, we’ve spent over 60 years providing exceptional live-in care, ensuring that stroke survivors receive the compassionate support they need to rebuild their lives in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, depriving it of the oxygen and nutrients needed to function. This can result in brain cell damage, with the effects varying depending on the area of the brain affected. Symptoms often come on suddenly, leaving little time to react, so recognising the signs and seeking immediate medical help is crucial. 

There are three primary types of stroke: 

• Ischaemic Stroke is the most common and occurs when a blood clot or plaque blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This blockage can lead to impaired movement, speech difficulties, and cognitive challenges. 

• Haemorrhagic Stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding. Often linked to high blood pressure or aneurysms, this type of stroke can result in severe complications. 

• Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of blood flow, often referred to as a mini-stroke. While symptoms usually resolve within hours, it serves as a warning sign for potential future strokes and should never be ignored. 

Recognising the signs of a stroke 

Knowing how to spot a stroke can save a life. The FAST test is a simple and effective way to identify the warning signs: 

• Face: Does one side of the face droop, or is it difficult to smile? 

• Arms: Can both arms be raised, or is one weak or numb? 

• Speech: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? 

• Time: If any of these symptoms are present, act quickly and call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in minimising long-term damage and increasing the chances of recovery. 

The road to recovery: how live-in care can help 

Recovering from a stroke can be a long and complex process, often involving physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. For many, returning home after a stroke is both a relief and an adjustment. This is where tailored live-in care becomes invaluable, offering a unique blend of professional support and personal comfort. 

Live-in care ensures that stroke survivors receive one-on-one attention, creating a supportive environment that promotes healing. At Consultus Care and Nursing, we understand that every stroke is different, and so is every recovery journey. That’s why we focus on creating individualised care plans that adapt to the evolving needs of each client. 

A holistic approach to stroke live-in care 

Our live-in care service is designed to address the diverse needs of the individual needing care, helping them regain independence and confidence while navigating the challenges of recovery. Our compassionate carers provide a wide range of support to those who have experienced a stroke, including: 

• Personal care: Assistance with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, ensuring comfort and dignity. 

• Medication management: Ensuring medications are taken correctly and on schedule, with oversight available for more complex regimes. 

• Mobility assistance: Helping clients move safely around their home, use mobility aids, and prevent falls. 

• Rehabilitation support: Guiding clients through prescribed exercises and therapies to aid physical, cognitive, and speech recovery. 

• Nutritious meal preparation: Creating well-balanced meals tailored to dietary needs to support overall health. 

• Emotional support and companionship: Providing a listening ear and meaningful interaction to ease feelings of isolation and build resilience. 

• Household help: Taking care of chores like cleaning and laundry to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. 

The benefits of recovering at home 

Recovering in a familiar setting can significantly enhance both emotional and physical healing. Home offers a sense of security and comfort that no hospital or care facility can replicate. With live-in care, your loved one can benefit from personalised, uninterrupted support that focuses entirely on their well-being. 

By remaining at home, they can maintain cherished routines and stay close to family and friends, fostering a sense of normalcy. This level of care not only aids recovery but also enhances overall quality of life. Families, too, can find reassurance in knowing their loved one is receiving expert care tailored to their needs, allowing them to focus on maintaining their own well-being and supporting their relative emotionally. 

Here’s why live-in care from Consultus can make a difference: 

• Established and trusted - For over 60 years we have been trusted by families to provide the highest standards of live-in care and nursing care at home, with a reputation built on recommendation. We continue to be a family-owned and managed business, which means our focus is on the quality of our service, not on meeting investors’ expectations. 

• Choice and control - Across our three live-in care services we offer families choice and flexibility.  We know that every family’s circumstances are different, so once we match you with a perfect carer, you can either manage the care arrangement yourself, or we can manage it for you through our registered service, which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).    

• Exceptional care for life - From respite care, through to on-going live-in care to nursing care at home, choosing Consultus Care and Nursing means you do not need to move out of your home to get the care you need.  We know continuity of care, in the place you love most, offers families much-needed peace of mind.  

• Accredited market leading training -  Unlike other care agencies, all our carers receive our market leading training, endorsed by Skills for Care for its excellence.  This means carers are skilled and experienced to deliver high quality care our clients expect. Nurses also have access to our training, and we support and invest in their on-going professional development. 

• Clinical oversight - Our live-in care and nursing service is overseen by our qualified registered nurses, who support our teams to ensure we can effectively help those living with complex conditions to live well at home.