Recovering from a stroke isn't usually a clear cut or step by step process. There are many factors to consider when looking at stroke recovery. These include the severity of the stroke, the area or areas of the brain affected by the stroke, and other patient specific variables. Yet, there are some key elements that doctors agree are all important in helping stroke patients begin their recovery process.
Having quality care and caregivers can help make the stroke recovery process more successful. The initial weeks or even months following a stroke occur in a medical facility, such as a hospital or acute care facility. While here, patients usually begin to receive physical, speech, and occupational therapy services. Following discharge from the hopsital or acute care facility, patients continue their therapy journey in an outpatient setting, like All Care.
Depending on the areas of the brain effected by the stroke, a patient may continue to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech and language pathologist, or a combination of the three.
A physical therapist will work with a patient on improving their movement and balance, help strengthen their muscles and improve spasticity, and help improve their walking and standing abilities. An occupational therapist will help patients improve their ability to complete their daily activities, such as eating, bathing, dressing and cooking, independently. An occupational therapy will also help improve a patient's fine motor skills and use of their hands.
Many stroke patients can also face difficult conditions, such as aphasia, which can make producing and understanding speech very difficult. Severe strokes can also have a serious impact on the patient's ability to communicate and organize their thoughts. A speech and language pathologist will help a patient improve in these areas. A speech and language pathologist can also help a patient improve their ability to swallow if this has been effected by the stroke.
In a patient's recovery journey, motivation is one of the most important elements for patients recovering from a stroke. Depending on the severity of the stroke and the physical and mental changes that stroke patients face, motivation can be difficult. These challenges can cause patients to become embarrassed and disheartened. Despite this, patients who are willing and motivated try and overcome these significant hurdles can achieve great gains during their recovery process.
Dealing with the aftermath of a stroke is taxing, both physically and mentally, but there are ways to help stroke patients recover. At All Care, we'd love to be a part of your recovery journey. If you have any questions about how we can help you or a loved one, please don't hesitate to contact us!