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What to Do When You Think a Parent Has Had a Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute matters. Knowing what to look for and what to do can save your parent’s life or prevent serious brain damage.
Use the FAST test:
F — Face drooping. Ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is the smile uneven?
A — Arm weakness. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down or feel weak?
S — Speech problems. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, strange, or hard to understand?
T — Time to call 911. If you see ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not drive them yourself. Do not wait to see if it gets better.
While you wait for the ambulance:
- Keep them calm and still
- Do not give them food, water, or medication
- Note the exact time the symptoms started — the doctors will need this
- Unlock the front door so paramedics can get in
Other stroke warning signs:
- Sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Do not wait. Do not try to drive to the hospital yourself. Ambulances have equipment that can begin treatment on the way. Call 911.
What to Do When a Parent Gets Confused or Disoriented
Confusion in an older adult can range from a bad afternoon to a medical emergency. Here is how to tell the difference and what to do.
Step 1: Stay calm and speak slowly. Confusion gets worse when the person around them is panicked. Lower your voice. Slow down. Get at their eye level. Use their name.
Step 2: Check for sudden changes. Sudden confusion that comes on fast — especially with fever, pain, or changes in behavior — can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), medication problem, or other medical issue. Call the doctor same day.
Step 3: Orient them gently. Tell them where they are, what day it is, and who you are — calmly, without making them feel bad for not knowing. Keep it simple. “Mom, you are at home. It is Wednesday afternoon. I am here with you.”
Step 4: Reduce noise and stimulation. Turn off the TV. Dim bright lights. Move to a quieter room. Too much going on around them makes confusion worse.
Step 5: Watch for sundowning. Many people with dementia become more confused in the late afternoon and evening. This is called sundowning. Keeping a consistent routine and getting them outside in the morning light can help.
Step 6: Keep a log. Write down when the confusion happens, how long it lasts, and what was happening before it started. This information helps the doctor find patterns and causes.
Sudden confusion in an older adult is never something to ignore. When in doubt, call the doctor. A UTI alone can cause severe confusion in seniors and is easily treated.
What to Do When Mom or Dad Falls at Home
Falls are scary. Your first instinct is to rush over and pull them up. Stop. Take a breath. Moving them too fast can make things worse. Here is what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Stay calm and get down to their level. Kneel beside them. Talk to them in a calm, steady voice. Ask if they can hear you and if they are in pain.
Step 2: Do not move them yet. Check for signs of serious injury first. Look for bleeding, a bent or twisted limb, or complaints of hip or neck pain. If you see any of these, call 911 and wait.
Step 3: Call 911 if you are not sure. It is always better to call and not need help than to need help and not call. Paramedics are trained for this. You do not have to handle it alone.
Step 4: If they seem okay, help them up slowly. Bring a sturdy chair close. Ask them to roll to their side first, then push up to hands and knees. Help them move to the chair one step at a time. Never pull them straight up by the arms.
Step 5: Watch them closely for the next 24 hours. Even a fall that seems minor can cause hidden injuries. Watch for confusion, dizziness, new pain, or trouble walking. Call the doctor if anything seems off.
Step 6: Figure out why it happened. Was it a loose rug? Poor lighting? The wrong shoes? Falls usually have a reason. Fix the cause so it does not happen again.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. If your parent falls more than once, talk to their doctor. There are programs that can help reduce the risk.
