Have you ever stopped to think how stroke awareness in senior living communities can truly change a resident’s future? Stroke is the #4 leading cause of death in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke each year. It also remains a leading cause of serious, long-term disability, which means many residents in senior living communities are living with its lasting effects.
Recently, the American Stroke Association updated its recommendations on ischemic stroke, highlighting how rapid diagnosis and advanced imaging can significantly improve survival and recovery. As reported by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News in its coverage of the new American Heart Association guideline updates stroke treatment for adults and recommends innovative care options, the updates include expanded eligibility for clot-removal procedures, new evidence supporting the clot-busting medication Tenecteplase, and the implementation of mobile stroke units to deliver faster care and reduce the risk of long-term disability. You can read more in their article: New American Heart Association guideline updates stroke treatment for adults and recommends innovative care options.
In addition, the American Heart Association’s newsroom explains that the new guideline expands stroke treatment for adults and even offers first pediatric stroke guidance, reflecting a surge of new evidence since the 2018 edition and its 2019 update. Learn more by visiting: New guideline expands stroke treatment for adults and offers first pediatric stroke guidance.
These updates emphasize how systems of care, from EMS to hospitals, can work together more efficiently. Shyam Prabhakaran, M.D., M.S., FAHA, chair of the writing group, reinforced the urgency by stating, “time is brain.” He further explained that the new guideline makes that concept real by demonstrating how coordinated systems can cut 30–60 minutes off treatment time, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the likelihood of disability.
Now, look around your community. Do you have residents who are physically or cognitively challenged due to a history of ischemic stroke? Chances are, you do. That reality makes stroke awareness in senior living communities more than a clinical priority; it becomes a daily responsibility.
Imagine if preventing just one resident from experiencing debilitating outcomes related to stroke was within reach. Education is where that prevention begins. Therefore, make it a priority to train staff on the warning signs of stroke using F.A.S.T.: Face Drooping; Arm Weakness; Speech Difficulty; Time to call 911. Furthermore, consider making this training annual and mandatory, because someone’s life could depend on rapid recognition and action. When in doubt, send them out, because swift intervention can dramatically improve recovery and quality of life.
Stay well and stay informed!
