The 2 Most Important Requirements for Stroke Rehabilitation
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends rehabilitation following a stroke, identifying two components of programs that offer the best outcomes:
- Rehab programs that use a team approach, including the patient, their family, and a range of doctors, nurses, and therapists
- Communication and coordination between all members of the team
“Sustained and coordinated effort,” the AHA affirms, is crucial for success. “Without communication and coordination, isolated efforts to rehabilitate the stroke survivor are unlikely to achieve their full potential,” the AHA states in their guidelines.
The severity of a stroke — and the variety of abilities affected —is highly variable, so a stroke rehab program must be able to administer a wide range of therapies.
Physical therapy includes exercises to regain muscle strength and coordination, as well as mobility training to enable a stroke survivor to relearn to walk, using a walker, brace, or cane, if necessary.
Occupational therapy helps a stroke patient re-learn how to do such daily activities as eating, grooming, and writing.
Speech Therapy not only helps with language skills, but also deals with the swallowing problems that often result from strokes.
Recreation therapy is not mere fun and games. Recreational therapists help the stroke survivor return to activities that they enjoy, enabling them to rejoin their community after their stroke.
Emotional therapy involves the help of neuropsychologists and social workers. The neuropsychologist addresses changes in memory and behavior following a stroke. Social workers help stroke patients and their families adjust to “the new normal,” and make decisions about support services will be needed after rehab.
Case managers are an integral part of the rehab team. They ensure that all medical care and therapies are coordinated, and that communication between members of the team, the patient, and their family flows freely.
A stroke may be a devastating experience, but recovery is possible. Finding a rehab program that can provide the highest levels of communication and coordination of care, like Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the scenic beach town of Keansburg, NJ, is a crucial part of achieving the best possible recovery. For information on our stroke rehab program, as well as our many other services, read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com and hear what our residents and their families have to say.
Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.