While anyone can suffer a stroke, it is a lot more common among the elderly. In fact, almost three quarters of stroke cases happen to individuals who are older than 65, according to the National Institute on Aging. If your senior family member recently had a stroke, he may experience memory problems, paralysis, trouble swallowing and bladder problems. It is up to you to help your elderly loved one get better. Here are seven effective ways to help your senior family member recover from a stroke:

Feed Them a Nutritious Diet

Feeding your senior family member a wholesome diet will speed up the recovery process and reduce his risk of having a second stroke. The American Stroke Association recommends feeding your loved one a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. You should keep trans fats and saturated fats out of your family member's diet, as they can raise blood cholesterol levels. If your senior loved one has lost his appetite from the stroke, try adding more spices, such as cumin or basil, to foods.

Make the Home Safer

Because your family member is more likely to fall after having a stroke, you should make his home as safe as possible. Make sure there is no clutter on the floors and remove slippery rugs. Also consider installing grab bars in the bathtub so that your loved one can safely get in and out.

Hire a Home Care Aide

If you do not have time to help your senior loved one all the time, think about hiring a home care aide from a company like Always Dependable. One of these healthcare professionals will come to your family member's home and help him with his everyday tasks, such as doing the laundry, taking medicine, grocery shopping and washing the dishes. You will have a peace of mind knowing a responsible and caring individual is looking after your loved one.

Look Out for Signs of Depression

Depression is common among stroke survivors, so it is very important to watch out for the signs. For example, if your senior family member has been more moody lately or does not like the same activities he once did, consult with his doctor. Your loved one's physician may be able to recommend a good therapist for your family member to talk to.

Encourage Exercise

The idea of exercise may seem daunting to a stroke survivor, but it is important for your senior loved one to get regular physical activity. Exercising on a regular basis can actually improve stroke recovery. According to Everyday Health, exercise is beneficial for stroke survivors because it reduces the risk of depression, controls cholesterol levels and decreases high blood pressure. Encourage your family member to exercise at least three to four times a week and choose low-impact activities, such as water aerobics.

Find a Support Group

Surviving a stroke can make your elderly loved one feel alone and scared. If you encourage him to join a support group for stroke survivors, your family member will know others are going through the same struggles. During the support group meetings, your family member can meet people like himself and develop meaningful friendships.

Reduce Stress

To speed up the recovery process, make sure your elderly loved one has minimal stress in his life. For example, if a certain task seems overwhelming to your family member, encourage him to take a break. Also, have your loved one do stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your senior family member make a full recovery and live a normal life again.