National Stroke Awareness Month: Warning Signs and How Home Care Helps

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. It is a time to learn the warning signs of stroke, understand the risk factors, and know what to do when every second counts. Stroke warning signs are not always dramatic. They can appear suddenly and disappear just as fast. That is exactly why knowing them matters. At Thrive USA, we work with many seniors and veterans who are recovering from stroke at home. Here is what every family needs to know.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. Without blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Furthermore, someone dies from stroke every 3.5 minutes. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the country. In addition, it is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults.

There are two main types of stroke. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. This accounts for about 87% of all strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. Both types are medical emergencies that require immediate action.

Know the Stroke Warning Signs: BE FAST

The American Stroke Association recommends remembering the acronym BE FAST to spot stroke warning signs quickly. Here is what each letter means.

B — Balance. Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or feeling dizzy?

E — Eyes. Are there sudden changes in vision? This includes blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.

F — Face. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?

A — Arms. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S — Speech. Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Is the person confused or struggling to find words?

T — Time. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Do not drive the person to the hospital unless emergency services instruct you to. Time is brain. Every minute without treatment matters.

Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, call 911 anyway. Temporary stroke-like symptoms may be a transient ischemic attack, also known as a TIA or mini-stroke. According to the American Heart Association, about one in three people who have a TIA will experience a full stroke within a year.

Who Is Most at Risk for Stroke?

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age. However, some factors increase the risk significantly. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.

In addition, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use all raise the risk of stroke. Furthermore, the risk doubles with each decade after age 55. As a result, older adults and veterans managing chronic conditions are among the highest-risk groups for stroke.

The good news is that most strokes are preventable. According to the Ohio Department of Health, about 80% of strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and proper management of health conditions.

How to Reduce Stroke Risk

Reducing stroke risk starts with managing the conditions that cause it. Here are the most effective steps families can take.

First, monitor blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is the single biggest driver of stroke risk. Keeping it under control is the most powerful thing a person can do to reduce their risk.

Second, stay physically active. Even light daily activity like short walks helps maintain cardiovascular health and reduces stroke risk over time.

Third, eat a healthy diet. A diet low in sodium and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Fourth, avoid smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. Quitting at any age reduces that risk significantly.

Fifth, attend regular medical appointments. Consistent monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol gives doctors the chance to catch and address risk factors before they become emergencies.

How In-Home Care Supports Stroke Survivors

We already covered stroke recovery in detail in our guide to the first 90 days after a stroke. In addition to recovery support, however, in-home care also plays a critical role in stroke prevention for high-risk seniors.

A Thrive USA care coach helps seniors stay on track with the daily habits that reduce stroke risk. They assist with meal planning and preparation, encourage light daily activity, provide medication reminders, and keep family members informed about any changes in their loved one’s health or behavior.

Furthermore, a care coach is often the first person to notice early warning signs of a health change. As a result, they can alert families quickly so action can be taken before a situation becomes a crisis.

For seniors and veterans who have already had a stroke, a care coach provides the consistent daily support that helps them recover safely at home, maintain their progress, and reduce the risk of a second stroke.

Visit our Personal Care page and our Companion Care page to learn more. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Know the signs. Act fast. And make sure your loved one has the daily support they need to stay as healthy as possible at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stroke Warning Signs