Stroke Recovery Depends on Rehabilitation Says Senior Helpers In

Home Elder Care of Fairfield County and Litchfield County,

Connecticut
700,000 Americans suffer a stroke every year, and at present about four million Americans are living
with the effects of stroke.

The effects of stroke can differ widely depending on which part of the brain is damaged and the severity
of the stroke. While the effects of stroke can be quite serious, the news from the stroke front is not all
bad: ten percent of stroke survivors recover completely and another 25% recover with minor
impairments, according to the National Stroke Association. While rehabilitation cannot "heal" the effects
of a stroke, it can help patients achieve the best possible outcome and improve independent living and
quality of life.

How Does Recovery Begin?

Rehabilitation will help patients "relearn" the skills that are lost when stroke occurs. Think of how you
first learned a new skill such as riding a bicycle. The ability to learn the skill came with practice. It's the
same with recovery from stroke. Rehabilitation professionals agree that the most important key to
success is carefully directed well-focused repetitive practice. Recovery involves learning new ways to
accomplish tasks. For example, patients may learn to bathe or dress using one hand.

Rehabilitation therapy begins in the hospital within 24 to 48 hours after the stroke occurs. Because the
stroke may cause weakness or paralysis, the first part of recovery will involve independent movement. A
therapist may assist movement of the limbs at first. This is called "passive" therapy. Or patients may be
encouraged to perform exercises on their own if they can.

Regaining the ability to carry out the basic activities of daily living is the first step to returning to
independent living. Ongoing therapy with a variety of therapists may be needed for months or even
years.

Where Does Rehabilitation Occur?

Rehabilitation will usually begin as soon as the patient is stable, often within 24 to 48 hours after a
stroke. At the time of discharge from the hospital, work with hospital social workers to locate a suitable
living arrangement. Many stroke survivors return home, but some move into some type of medical
facility:

• Inpatient rehabilitation units are facilities where you may stay for two to three weeks receiving intense
therapy most days.

• Outpatient facilities provide access to physicians and the full range of therapists specializing in stroke
rehabilitation. Patients will typically spend several hours, often three days each week, at the facility
taking part in coordinated therapy sessions and then return home at night.
Home rehabilitation allows for great flexibility with scheduling and gives patients the advantage of
practicing skills and developing compensatory strategies in their own living environment. However, one
disadvantage is that they won't have access to specialized rehabilitation equipment.

Who Will Help in the Recovery?

Generally, stroke can cause five types of disabilities: paralysis or problems controlling movement;
sensory disturbances including pain; problems using or understanding language; problems with thinking
and memory; and emotional disturbances. A patient's rehabilitation regimen is determined by the type
and degree of disability that follows a stroke. Post-stroke rehabilitation involves:

• Physicians

• Rehabilitation nurses

• Physical, occupational, recreational, speech-language, and vocational therapists

• Mental health professionals

Neurologists usually lead acute-care stroke teams and direct patient care during hospitalization, and
they sometimes remain in charge of long-term rehabilitation. However, physicians trained in other
specialties often assume responsibility after the acute stage has passed, including physiatrists, who
specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The patient’s doctor will have the primary responsibility for recommending which rehabilitation
programs will best address their needs. The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or medication
to help prevent a second stroke as part of the recovery. These changes may include controlling high
blood pressure or diabetes and eliminating risk factors such as cigarette smoking, excessive weight, a
high-cholesterol diet, and high alcohol consumption.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in the Brookfield, Ridgefield,
Trumbull, Southbury, New Milford, Litchfield areas.  We offer extensive in-home health care services for
seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care
services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Fairfield County or Litchfield County, we are an
excellent choice with exemplary references.  In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly
loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive
experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit:
http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0904.