A stroke is a life-changing event for people of any age, but for the older adult a stroke can be particularly devastating. According to the National Institutes of Health, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately three-quarters of strokes occur in adults over the age of 65.
Physical Effects
Recovery and recuperation are particularly challenging for the older adult. Preexisting conditions such as chronic disease or limited mobility may limit the outcome of rehabilitation. Depending upon the type and location of the stroke, residual damage to the brain makes it more challenging to manage personal care. If the right hemisphere is involved, the left side of the body is affected. Problems with perception and judging distances can increase the likelihood of falls. The left side of the brain governs the speech center and the right side of the body. Damage to the left hemisphere often causes difficulty with verbal communication, although writing and reading skill are not normally affected. Memory problems can result from damage to either side of the brain.
Financial Effects
Emergency care, hospitalization and initial rehabilitation costs are most often covered by private health insurance or government benefit plans. Depending upon the extent of disability, home health care, transportation expenses and home renovation or relocation costs must be borne by the stroke patient or adult family members. In a study led by Dr. Mike Sharma, director of the Ottawa Hospital regional stroke program, researchers found the cost of stroke care to be double their original estimate. Long-term care and medical costs can quickly deplete a senior's savings, and whether or not family members are able to contribute financially, many older adults may be forced to reduce their standard of living and rely upon government aid programs to survive.
Emotional Effects
Just as a stroke can cause damage to a part of the brain that controls physical functions, psychological and personality changes may result from damage to the area of the brain that governs the emotions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes. Depression is common in stroke patients. Stroke survivors may have difficulty controlling their feelings and may laugh, cry or smile at inappropriate times. Periods of sadness or anxiety can be a side effect of new medications or part of a natural grieving process as one learns to adapt to physical limitations and a change in lifestyle. Whether by choice or circumstance, social isolation and lack of human contact may add to the elder's anxiety and frustration.
