Physical rehabilitation after a stroke is one of the best ways to get a stroke survivor back into their life. Strokes are debilitating not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. Many stroke survivors that suffer from physical limitations become depressed and give up basically. So, the goal in rehabilitation is to improve function so that the stroke survivor can become as independent as possible. However, all of this must be done in a way that preserves dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have taken away, the things that before may have been taken for granted as skills we all can do, such as eating, dressing and walking.
Statistics show that there are over 4 million people in the United States who have survived a stroke or brain attack and are currently living with the after-effects. This is a staggering number, and does not even take into account the family members that suffer as well because of the changes. More people than the stroke survivor will have an altered lifestyle that is greatly affected by stroke. So, the better the physical rehabilitation is, the better able these millions of people are at adjusting to life, and getting back into a normal life routine.
No one is ever prepared for this sudden, often catastrophic event that stroke is. For many it is devastating, however, it does not have to be, stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficult situations. If the person lives through the stroke, they have a decent chance of recovery, and the more involved and patient, as well as encouraging the family is, the even greater the chance. General recovery guidelines for stroke victims are as follows:
– 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely
– 25 percent recover with minor impairments
– 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments requiring special care
– 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
– 15 percent die shortly after the stroke
These numbers are general, and do not have to apply to you if you do not want them to. If you live, that is a good sign. So, let’s talk about rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. The sooner you can get on the road to recovery, the sooner you get there. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred. This rehabilitation should not stop, but rather should be continued after release from the hospital.
What does rehab include? Well, physical rehabilitation really depends on the severity of the stroke. However, in general rehabilitation options include:
– A rehabilitation unit in the hospital (This is where your in hospital rehab will take place)
– A subacute care unit (Subacute care programs serve patients who require less intensive care than traditional acute care, but more intensive care than traditional nursing home care.)
– A rehabilitation hospital (This is a great option for those who can afford it and want speedy recovery, but for some the hospital environment is depressing and becomes a mental barrier for physical rehabilitation.)
– Home therapy (This is one of the best options as it is in an environment where the victim is comfortable, and it is specific to where they will be and what they will be doing, so the rehabilitation can be very hands on, teach the survivor how to tackle the exact things they will encounter in their daily lives, such as stairs, thick carpet, etc.)
– Home with outpatient therapy (This means the survivor goes home, but returns to a clinic or somewhere to get rehabilitation therapy.)
– A long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled nursing care (this is like a nursing home.)