Recovering after a major stroke takes time. Rehabilitation can help increase the chances of a successful recovery. During post-stroke rehabilitation, a team of specialists will help individuals regain lost skills and increase confidence and independence.
At Alhambra Post Acute, we create post-stroke rehabilitation plans that are tailored to each person’s specific needs and abilities. In this guide, we help you understand what to expect as you or your loved one transitions from the hospital after a stroke.
What Is Post-Stroke Rehabilitation?
Post-stroke rehabilitation helps individuals recover from or adapt to changes following a stroke. These therapies may be physical, speech, or cognitive. Rehabilitation often starts before the resident leaves the hospital.
Once the patient gets to our facility, we will create a plan to help the individual achieve as much independence as possible. Treatment may include relearning skills and managing any lingering loss of abilities.
How Long Does Rehabilitation Take?
There is no set timeframe for recovery. Some people will be able to quickly regain their strengths and abilities. Others may take longer to get back to their new normal.
Rehabilitation is designed to move at the pace the resident needs. Progress may take a few weeks or several months.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Process
Our rehabilitation process includes the following steps:
Step 1: Evaluation
The initial step will be to evaluate the residents’ current abilities and what challenges they are facing. This may include determining:
- Strength
- Balance
- Coordination
- Mobility
- Cognition
- Communication
- Swallowing
- Performing daily activities
Step 2: Establishing Goals
Once the evaluation is done, the interdisciplinary team will create individualized goals. These will focus on what needs to be accomplished. Plans will be realistic based on the residents’ current abilities.
Step 3: Therapy Begins
Depending on you or your loved one’s needs, rehabilitation may include:
Physical Therapy
This will help residents work on:
- Increasing strength, mobility, endurance, and coordination
- Assist with walking, standing, and transferring
- Reduce chances of family
- Learn how to use mobility equipment
Occupational Therapy
The goal of occupational therapy is to help the patient relearn daily living activities, including:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Eating
- Using the restroom
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy for post-stroke patients often includes helping them improve speaking, understanding language, memory, and communication.
Other Types of Rehabilitation
Depending on the person’s needs, therapy may include cognitive, psychological, or emotional support. These will also be added to the post-stroke rehabilitation plan.
Step 4: Reevaluation
Throughout the rehabilitation process, we will reassess the person’s abilities and adjust exercises based on progress.
Step 5: Discharge Planning
The goal of rehabilitation is to allow the patient to return home or stay in a long-term facility. Discharge planning will help lay out how the resident can return to normal activities safely and confidently. It will also teach the person how to navigate or adjust their living settings.
Benefits of Rehabilitation at a Post Acute Facility
A post acute facility like Alhambra Post Acute can ensure that the resident gets the assistance they need round the clock. We offer everything from skilled nursing to medication management to rehabilitation therapy.
Our team understands that rehabilitation takes a lot of patience, personalized care, and consistency. We will provide you or your loved one with the needed care in a comfortable environment.