Could It Be a Stroke? Call 911 - Don't Drive or Delay
Treatment for a potential stroke needs to happen fast. If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, the best - and the only option is to call 911 right away. Consequences of delay can be devastating.
A loved one is having what you think is a stroke. What do you do? Do you drive them to the hospital or call 911? What is the fastest way to get life-saving treatment for a person who may be having a stroke?
Acting fast is essential when a person is having a stroke. The CDC says that if you think someone may be having a stroke, the following simple test is an excellent first step.
F—Face: Ask the individual to smile. Does one side of the face droop when they try to smile?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the individual to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Time – You Have Very Little Time
The last step - 'time' gives it away. The CDC says you should not drive the person to the hospital, and certainly, if you think you are having a stroke, don't drive yourself. Call an ambulance so that EMTs can initiate life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Take note of the time the symptoms started and pass that information along to the 911 operator of the EMTs who arrive. The amount of time that has gone by will help the health care providers determine the best treatment for each individual.
Remember, the more time between the start of a stroke and the treatment, the higher the risk of brain damage. When more time passes, it becomes much more challenging to reverse the symptoms. Treatment includes medications that, if given early on, can be very beneficial for the person to recover from a stroke. The idea is to preserve brain tissue to prevent long-term disability and death.
Stroke or TIA?
On occasion, the stroke symptoms appear and disappear quickly on their own. If the symptoms clear up quickly, it might be a transient ischemic attack or TIA. Many people refer to a TIA as a ministroke. The Mayo Clinic says a TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and doesn't usually cause permanent damage. However, it is still imperative to get to a hospital right away. One in three people who have a TIA will have a stroke, half occurring within a year after the transient ischemic attack.
TIA symptoms include:
- Blindness in one or both eyes or double vision
- Slurred or garbled speech or difficulty understanding others
- Vertigo or loss of balance or coordination
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of your body
Too many people delay seeking medical attention when it appears they are having a stroke or TIA. The message is clear. Don't delay. Call 911 right away. Minute’s count. Immediate treatment counts.
When people delay medical attention, the situation can be dire. Some consequences of stroke include problems with communication, memory loss, paralysis, mobility problems, seizures, urinary tract infections, bladder control issues, depression, and increased risk of another stroke.
Often people will need long-term health care due to the consequences form the stroke. Even death can occur without quick attention. Avoiding a stroke or TIA is always preferable. Be sure to get regular check-ups. Keep your blood pressure and weight under control. Talk to your doctor about other risk factors and family history.
If you have family members at risk, remember F.A.S.T and call 911 right away.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
About half of us will need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the consequences of aging. Our risk increases as we get older. The risk to our finances is tremendous as care costs are increasing rapidly due to increasing demand and higher labor costs.
Yes, long-term health care costs are expensive, and you will be financially responsible if you have savings. However, long-term care is more than just a cash flow issue - it is a family issue since often, adult children find themselves in the role of being a caregiver.
Family caregivers are stressed physically and emotionally. You can reduce the financial and family burdens that long-term care places on families and finances AND ensure your choice of quality care options by adding an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Are you prepared?
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Working With a Specialist is Essential
Since Long-Term Care Insurance is custom designed ... and policies can vary in price, be sure to seek the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Be sure they understand the underwriting criteria of each company, is with policy design, claims, and the many tax advantages that are available. Complete understanding of the federal/state partnership program is also key.
Discussion Points with a Specialist
- Partnership – Most states offer special policies that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection. The Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program might be one of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning. Make sure the specialist explains this program and how it might help you.
- Tax incentives – There are federal tax incentives available for some people. If you own your own business be sure to ask.
- Health Savings Accounts – If you have an HSA you can use the pre-tax money in your account to pay for the premium.
- Asset-Based or Hybrid policies – These are life insurance or annuities with a rider for long-term care. Careful, only a handful are actually a long-term care benefit. However, one of these policies can provide you with the flexibility of both a long-term care benefit or a death benefit. They are expensive but can be paid with a single premium.
- Health and Family History - Make sure the specialist asks you detailed questions about your health, family history, and retirement plans. Underwriting criteria varies with each insurance company. If they are not asking you detailed questions then find another specialist.
Get Expert Help Filing an LTC Insurance Claim
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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