| Rehabilitation After
Stroke / Brain Attack Rehabilitation
after stroke:
When recovering from a stroke, rehabilitation is critical in helping the individual return
to independent living. Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by a
stroke, rather, the focus of rehabilitation is to rebuild strength, coordination,
capability, and confidence.
Stroke rehabilitation is designed to meet the individual's needs, thus, each program is
different. Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient and their family members work
together as a team. Family members need to understand the stroke disabilities and how they
affect the individual.
The primary variables that determine the type, design, and length of the stroke
rehabilitation program include:
- the part of the brain affected
- the severity of the brain injury
- the abilities of the individual that have been impaired
- the overall health of the individual
The overall goal of the program is to restore the impaired functions and to compensate
for any lost functions, thereby, increasing physical ability and independence.
Skill areas covered in stroke rehabilitation:
| Skill Area: |
Example: |
| self-care skills |
feeding, grooming, bathing, and dressing |
| mobility skills |
walking or self-propelling a wheelchair |
| communication skills |
speech, language |
| cognitive skills |
memory, problem solving |
| socialization skills |
interacting with other people |
The stroke rehabilitation team:
The stoke rehabilitation team involves the patient and family in all
activities, including establishing short and long-term goals for recovery. Many skilled professionals are part of the stroke rehabilitation
team, including:
- neurologists
- physiatrists
- internists
- rehabilitation nurses
- social workers
- dietitians
- physical therapists
- occupational therapists
- psychologists / psychiatrists
- speech / language pathologists
Where to find rehabilitation services:
Rehabilitation services are provided in many different places, and
the patient may participate in rehabilitation in some or all of these settings:
- acute care and rehabilitation hospitals
- long-term care facilities
- outpatient rehabilitation facilities
- home health agencies
Click
here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web. |
