What Does The Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Journey Look Like?
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot. Others happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Whichever type of stroke someone suffers, it can lead to serious long-term disability.
Rehabilitation can help you relearn the skills you may have lost after a stroke.
The sooner you begin post-stroke rehabilitation, the more likely you are to regain lost abilities and skills.
The Road to Recovery Starts in the Hospital
Post-stroke rehabilitation starts in the hospital, usually within one or two days after your stroke. Learning to sit up, stand and walk are the first steps on the road to recovery.
Some stroke survivors recover quickly, especially if they’ve had a minor stroke. But most people need time to recover as an inpatient or outpatient at a rehabilitation center.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Centers: Which One is Right for You?
Where you go for rehabilitation depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much help you need.
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities can be free-standing or a separate unit of a hospital. You might stay at the facility for up to two or three weeks as part of an intensive rehabilitation program.
Outpatient rehabilitation facilities may be part of a hospital complex or free-standing. Treatment typically consists of one to three hours of therapy sessions several times a week.
Skilled nursing facilities vary in the range of rehabilitation services they offer. Some specialize in rehabilitation and take a multidisciplinary approach. Others offer more limited and less intensive therapy options.
Be sure to discuss your options with your medical care team before choosing a rehabilitation program that meets your needs.
A Good Therapy Team Can Make All the Difference
Evidence-based guidelines outlining best clinical practices for rehabilitative care of adults recovering from stroke were released by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in 2016. According to the guidelines, stroke survivors benefit most from rehabilitative care provided by a multidisciplinary team, including physical, occupational and speech therapists; doctors; nurses; caregivers; friends; and family.
Other factors that affect the outcome of rehabilitation include time spent in therapy each day, the support of friends and family, and your ability to stick with the program until you reach your goals. Rehabilitation is hard work. It’s important to recognize the progress you make and take pride in your achievements each day.
Rehabilitation at Ridge Crest: Top Rated for Quality Care
Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge offers both inpatient and outpatient short-term rehabilitation. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best short-term senior rehabilitation centers in the state, our goal is to help you regain independence and restore your quality of life.
Our multidisciplinary team includes physical, occupational and speech therapists experienced in stroke rehabilitation. A high staff-to-resident ratio (availability of nursing staff is twice the Connecticut average) ensures you receive the attentive care you deserve in a gracious, healing setting.
Learn Why Ridge Crest May Be Right for You
Choosing the right rehabilitation center for you or a loved one is key to a better outcome. To learn why rehab at Ridge Crest may be the right choice for you, contact us or visit our Rehabilitation page.