https://www.kindredhealthcare.com/resources/blog-kindred-spirit/2018/03/06/why-rehabilitation-is-key-for-stroke-recovery
Stroke recovery has come a long way(Bullshit, 10% full recovery is a horrendous failure rate) because of widespread education on how to identify strokes as they’re happening to help people get care faster and specialty care and rehabilitation. Now, more than seven million people survive strokes each year.
The level of recovery each person can expect depends on different things: where in the brain the stroke happened, how much of the brain was affected, how healthy the person was before their stroke, the amount of rehabilitation they participates in and how much support they have from loved ones.(Fucking low expectations, get out of stroke if you are that incompetent)
Most people see the biggest improvements over the first three to four months following the stroke, especially in a hospital setting, but it’s not unlikely to continue recovery up to two years later. Here is what you can expect.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is key for stroke recovery. No two strokes are the same, so patients will require different levels of care to regain their health and quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation can include:
- Physical therapy – helps with regaining strength and ability to get around
- Occupational therapy – helps a person relearn motor skills and how to do daily activities again
- Speech therapy – assists with the ability to speak clearly
- Nutritional care – creates a nutrition plan to stay healthy through recovery
- Patient/family education – provides information on the care plan to both the person in recovery and their loved ones so they have the skills they need to make the most of the journey
Caring for a Loved One After Stroke
It’s important to be an advocate for your loved one when they’re regaining their independence. Try to monitor their behavior and abilities for any negative changes, and notify the care team if you notice any warning signs, such as:
- Dizziness or imbalance that leads to falls
- Difficulty with daily activities or hobbies they used to enjoy
- Mood swings or trouble controlling emotions
- Depression, which occurs in 30-50% of people in recovery, which can affect rehabilitation success
- Change in your loved one’s abilities that appear as a setback in abilities
Experiencing a stroke can be alienating as a person adjusts to their new normal. Ask your case manager, social worker or discharge planner for community support groups and resources that could help your loved one to feel like they aren’t going through this journey alone. These tips from the American Stroke Association can help you as a caregiver as well.
The Good News
Did you know that up to 80% of strokes are preventable? By lowering your blood pressure and incorporating a healthier lifestyle you can reduce the chances that you may suffer from a stroke.
At Kindred, we offer stroke recovery programs in multiple locations, depending on the individual’s needs:
Early Intervention
Immediate medical attention is essential to improve the odds of recovery. Know the signs of a stroke and call 911 as soon as possible. The acronym FAST is easy to remember and outlines the main signs of stroke:
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911
To find out more about strokes, visit the American Stroke Association. Kindred Healthcare is the national sponsor of Together to End Stroke, a program that elevates awareness about high-quality rehabilitation, patient support and using the rehabilitation and recovery guidelines from the American Heart and American Stroke Association.
If you have questions about stroke recovery, call 1.866.KINDRED to speak with a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’re here to listen and we can help.
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