Picking the Right Post Stroke Rehab Center

A stroke is a life-altering event experienced by nearly 800,000 people in the United States every year. Amidst all the stress and uncertainty, it can seem overwhelming to try to choose the right stroke rehabilitation center, but it's an important part of ensuring the best possible recovery outcome for the patient. 

Recovering From a Stroke

Stroke rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible to help the patient recover from or improve upon any disabilities caused by the stroke, which could include paralysis (full or partial) or weakness on one side of the body, as well as problems with speech, emotions, memory, attention span, and judgment. Stroke patients might also suffer from depression.

However, stroke rehabilitation is not all about recovering the skills that were lost. In some cases, it might mean learning to cope with the changes to the brain and the body after the stroke, or adjusting to changes in the patient's home life.

Mayo Clinic outlines a variety of techniques and therapies that might be used in a stroke rehabilitation center, including:

• Physical Activities: muscle strengthening, coordination exercises, range-of-motion exercises, use of walking aids, isolation of the weak limb.
• Cognitive and Emotional Activities: speech therapy, counseling, medications.

The specific therapies used with each patient depend upon the severity of the stroke and the person's ability and determination to improve; it is noted that the best chance of improvement accompanies activity that "...is willful, repetitive and task specific." The length of the process will vary from person to person; some exercises might need to be continued throughout the patient's life to maintain the improvements he or she has experienced. Complete recovery is not always possible, but nearly all patients will see some degree of improvement through a rehab program. 

Choosing the Right Stroke Rehabilitation Center

Stroke rehabilitation centers that offer the right combination of knowledge, training, compassion, equipment, and resources provide a positive atmosphere in which to overcome what may be one of the greatest challenges of the patient's life. This is a personal decision, and the ideal solution will be different for each patient. There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a stroke rehabilitation program.

Convenience

Is the rehab center located near you? If you will be driving there regularly, it needs to be accessible. Long drives on a near-daily basis will become exhausting for both you and your loved one.

Inpatient or Outpatient Needs

Your loved one's doctor can help determine what kind of care is needed to start the recovery process. For a severe stroke, around-the-clock care and extensive rehab may be required. In other cases, outpatient care could be enough.

Cost

Your insurance might cover the cost of rehabilitation. If not, there are other options, and the facility has knowledgeable representatives to guide you through the process. Consider a not-for-profit center to ensure the focus is on recovery and ongoing high quality of life for the patients rather than high profits for the organization.

Experience and Reputation

The rehabilitation center has high ratings and a long list of testimonials from happy patients. It might also hold awards or other recognition for being a top-notch facility. 

Comfort and Technology

State-of-the-art equipment and techniques are used in a comfortable, inviting space. Patients feel safe and welcome, trusting in the expertise of the therapists and other professionals.

Compassion and Care

The professionals at your chosen stroke rehabilitation center have extensive training and experience, of course, but it's also important that they are passionate about what they do. Visit with the staff and the care professionals before making your choice, and make sure you feel good about leaving your loved one's care in their capable, compassionate hands.

We want you to find the right stroke rehabilitation center for your loved one as much as you do. We are here to make this process as simple as possible, so please contact Church Home if we can answer any questions for you.