THINK F.A.S.T. TO KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING A STROKE

When someone suffers from a stroke, you have precious minutes to react. Responding quickly to the warning signs of a stroke is important because there is an FDA-approved “clot-buster” medication that, if given within three hours of the first symptom, may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

However, many Americans don’t know a stroke’s warning signs when they see them. Caregivers at AAging Better are trained to recognize signs of stroke in our clients if and when they occur and we encourage stroke education for all family caregivers as well. An easy way to remember how to recognize the warning signs of stroke is to act F.A.S.T: Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can the individual repeat the sentence correctly? Are the words slurred? Time: Time is of the essence! Call 911 right away or get the affected individual to a hospital Emergency Room as quickly as possible! Remember to also note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Knowing what to do in the event of a stroke is vital and can save a person’s life or at the very least improve their chances of a full recovery! If you or a loved one have experienced a stroke and have permanent damage from it and can no longer accomplish the daily activities of living, our caregivers are trained to provide the needed services necessary to staying safely and effectively in one’s own home. To learn more about how we might help you or a loved one at home, contact us at 208-777-0308 if calling from the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden Lake areas; 208.263.7889 if calling from the Sandpoint, Priest River or Bonners Ferry areas; and 208.784.1505 if calling from the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.