Hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body that can be caused by a stroke, certain injuries, viruses, or other neurological disorders. Hemiparesis is sometimes confused with hemiplegia, which refers to total paralysis on one side of the body. While many people with mild hemiparesis can live independently, others may require the following interventions that a senior home care services provider can offer.
Nutritional Interventions
Cooking and eating can be very challenging for people with hemiparesis. Because one-sided weakness can be severe, many people with hemiparesis may be unable to lift pots and pans to cook safely. They may also be unable to perform food preparation tasks such as opening cans and chopping vegetables, and because of this, may need to rely on a senior home care services provider. Further, if the hemiparesis is on the individual's dominant side, they may be unable to feed themselves properly.
Holding utensils, cups, and glasses with the non-dominant side can be awkward and embarrassing for the individual and may even result in accidents as a result of spilling hot coffee or getting injured as a result of dropping a sharp utensil on their body. The senior home care provider can provide nutritional assistance by preparing meals and feeding the individual if needed. Meal preparation and feeding may help prevent nutritional deficiencies that could occur if the person cannot cook or feed themselves.
Range Of Motion Exercises
People with hemiparesis can benefit from doing range of motion (ROM) exercises because they help strengthen the muscles so that performing activities of daily living is easier. The senior home care services provider can teach the person how to do these simple exercises and monitor them while they are doing them.
Range of motion exercises can also help relieve pain and stiffness that can develop in those with hemiplegia and they may also help boost the person's self-confidence levels when they are able to participate more in their self-care.
The senior home caregiver can also take the person on short walks which not only helps increase strength and decrease weakness but can also help prevent depression and insomnia which is not uncommon in hemiparesis patients.
If you or a loved one has hemiparesis and needs help in your home, consider the above interventions that a senior home caregiver can provide. Having in-home senior help can help aging adults thrive during their golden years and give them hope for a more active and productive future.
Reach out to a home care provider, such as Specialty Home Care, for more information.
Share13 December 2022
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