Understanding Stroke Risk and Recovery in Older Australians

A stroke can change everything — in a moment. For older Australians and their families, understanding the risks, signs, and recovery pathways can make all the difference in reducing long-term impacts and improving quality of life.

At Right at Home, we provide professional in-home nursing care, support services, and rehabilitation assistance tailored to help clients recover safely and confidently at home during these special care situations.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die — making stroke a medical emergency.

In Australia, more than 445,000 people are living with the effects of stroke. Older Australians, particularly those with chronic health conditions, are at greater risk.

Common Risk Factors for Stroke

While stroke can happen to anyone, certain health and lifestyle factors increase the risk:

• High blood pressure (the number one modifiable risk)

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use

• Lack of physical activity

• Family history of stroke

Preventative health checks, medication management, and healthy daily routines can greatly reduce stroke risk — all things our in-home care, nursing and support at home teams can assist with.

Spotting the Signs of Stroke

The faster a stroke is recognised and treated, the better the outcome.

Use the F.A.S.T. test:

• Face: Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms: Can they lift both arms?

• Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?

• Time: Call 000 immediately if you see any of these signs.

Stroke Recovery at Home

Recovery after a stroke looks different for everyone. It may involve physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing care, and emotional support. Returning home is often a key milestone — but it’s important to have the right home care in place.

Right at Home offers:

• Nursing or clinical support for wound care, medication, continence, and chronic conditions

• Independence support such as personal care which includes assistance with mobility, hygiene, and medication reminders

• Other independence support such as allied health partnerships for therapy and rehabilitation and emotional and social support for both clients and family carers

• Everyday living support (which Right at Home call companion care) which includes domestic assistance, and home maintenance such as gardening or meal preparation.

We work closely with families, GPs, and hospitals to create individualised care plans that evolve over time, meeting our clients ever ever-changing needs and goals.

Supporting Families

Caring for a loved one after a stroke can be emotionally and physically demanding. We’re here to help lighten the load. Our flexible in-home care model means you can receive as much or as little support as you need — with a team who understands stroke recovery.

Learn More

If you or a loved one is living with stroke, or managing high stroke risk, talk to Right at Home. We’ll help you plan care that supports independence, safety, and wellness  — with our care and support at home.

Call 1300 363 802 or learn more here.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Central West New South Wales; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Geelong; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Goldfields Grampians Murray; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Brighton; Melbourne Frankston; Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Newcastle Toronto; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; North Queensland; Northern Rivers; Northern Territory; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth South; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; South West WA; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine Coast; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Randwick; Sydney Ryde; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Western NSW