How Many People Have a Stroke Every Year?
Fri, Mar 4th, 2022
Each year, in the USA, over 795,000 people sustain a stroke. Around 610,000 are new events and 185,000 people have had a previous stroke. 87% are ischemic strokes where blood flow to the brain is blocked.
The leading cause of long-term disability is from a stroke. For over half of all stroke survivors, age 65+ mobility ability is reduced.
A stroke can change everything. A stroke can change your life.
What does this mean for stroke survivors and their families? It means that life after a stroke can be a challenge. But it is also a time of hope, as many stroke survivors regain much of their independence.
How Do You Get Your Independence Back After A Stroke?
How do stroke survivors regain their independence? There are many factors that contribute to a stroke survivor's ability to regain independence. The most important factor is the severity of the stroke. Generally, the more severe the stroke, the more difficulty the survivor will have regaining independence.
Other factors that contribute to a stroke survivor's ability to regain independence include:
- the age of the stroke survivor
- the type of stroke
- the location of the stroke in the brain
- the length of time since the stroke occurred
- the amount of rehabilitation therapy received
- family support
Each stroke survivor's journey is unique. There is no one right way to recover from a stroke. What matters most is that you find what works for you and stick with it. You are not alone in this journey - there are many people who will support you along the way.
Home Modifications Can Help!
One way to help maintain independence after a stroke is to have your home modified to accommodate limitations. For example, if the shower has become difficult to use, a zero-threshold shower can be installed to replace your current shower.
If stairs have become an issue, a vertical platform lift can be installed inside or outside of your home to easily lift you up to any landing up to 14' high. If you have an assistive device like a walker or wheelchair, you can walk or roll right into the vertical platform lift and get up and down with the push of a button.
These are just a few examples of how you can modify your home to help maintain independence after a stroke. For more ideas, please call Bell House Medical at 302-644-4404.
We understand that stroke survivors and their families face many challenges. But we also believe that with hard work and determination, stroke survivors can regain much of their independence. You are not alone on this journey - we are here to support you every step of the way to make your home more user-friendly and safer.
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, please know that there is hope. There are many people and resources available to help you on your road to recovery. Don't give up - you can do this!