What Every Adult Child Should Know This May

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and if you’re caring for an aging parent, now is the perfect time to pause and learn more about one of the most common and life-altering health events that can affect seniors.

You’ve probably heard of strokes. You may even know someone who’s had one. But when it happens to your own parent—or the possibility becomes real—it hits differently.

Let’s talk about what a stroke really is, why seniors are more at risk, and how you can recognize the signs and respond quickly. Because in the case of a stroke, every minute matters.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can occur in two main ways:

• Ischemic stroke – This is the most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel in the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke – This happens when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain.

Without enough oxygen, brain cells begin to die—fast. That’s why immediate treatment is so important. A delay in care can mean more damage, more complications, and a longer road to recovery.

Why Are Seniors More at Risk?

As we age, our bodies change, and unfortunately, stroke risk increases.

Here are a few common risk factors that show up more in older adults:
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Smoking history
• Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat)

Even if your parent seems relatively healthy, it’s still important to stay aware. Strokes can happen suddenly and without warning.

Know the Signs: Think F.A.S.T.

One of the most powerful tools we have is a simple acronym: F.A.S.T.

• F – Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask them to smile. Does the smile look uneven?
• A – Arm weakness: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
• S – Speech difficulty: Are they slurring their words or unable to speak clearly?
• T – Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, even if they go away, call for help immediately.

Don’t second-guess it. Don’t wait. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the outcome.

Silent Strokes: Yes, They Exist

Did you know not all strokes have dramatic, obvious symptoms?

Some seniors experience what are called “silent strokes.” These are small strokes that can happen without noticeable signs but still damage the brain. Over time, multiple silent strokes can affect memory, mood, and movement.

If your parent has been acting more forgetful or unsteady on their feet lately, don’t just chalk it up to age. Talk to a doctor.

What If a Stroke Has Already Happened?

If your parent has already had a stroke, the road ahead may feel uncertain.

There might be physical limitations, speech issues, or memory challenges. You might be figuring out how to help them eat, bathe, or move around safely. You may even be navigating changes in their personality or emotional state.

That’s a lot to handle—but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Abic Healthcare Services, we support families like yours with professional, compassionate in-home care designed to make life after a stroke more manageable.

Our caregivers can help with:
• Mobility and walking assistance
• Personal care and hygiene
• Medication reminders and monitoring
• Stroke recovery routines and exercises
• Companionship and emotional support

We also provide respite care so you can take care of yourself too—because being a caregiver is tough, and rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Prevention: What You Can Do Today

Here’s the good news: up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

Here are a few things you can do to help your parent reduce their risk:
• Encourage regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring
• Help them stick to a heart-healthy diet
• Support safe physical activity (even light walking)
• Talk about quitting smoking (if they haven’t already)
• Keep an eye on medications and manage chronic conditions

You don’t have to be perfect. Just being aware and taking small steps makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

A stroke can change everything in an instant. But with awareness, quick action, and the right support, recovery and quality of life are still possible.

As you look out for your parent, look out for yourself too. You’re doing the best you can—and you don’t have to carry it all on your shoulders.

At Abic Healthcare Services, we’re here to walk this journey with you—through prevention, recovery, and everything in between.

If you need help, have questions, or just want to talk about what your parent is going through, reach out. We’re listening.