At Home Stroke Rehabilitation with Active
Rehabilitation after a stroke is an essential part of the healing process. Learn how home health for stroke rehab can improve healing, minimize complications and help you regain independence after suffering a stroke.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. This can be due to either a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke) that occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the brain. If not taken care of in a timely manner, brain cells die. When brain cells die, a patient dies.
The good news is that we are making great improvements in how we treat patients who are experiencing a stroke. One of the greatest health achievements of the 20th century has been the decrease in mortality associated with stroke, moving from the 3rd overall cause of death to the 5th overall cause of death in the US. And it keeps improving. Between the years 2000 and 2010, mortality due to stroke decreased by almost 36%.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Stroke
One of the reasons for this achievement has been the focus on recognizing and treating stroke symptoms faster. The common acronym for this is BE FAST, which stands for:
The longer it takes to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get the patient emergency treatment, the more likely the brain is going to experience cell death. Hospital staff will identify the type of stroke and focus on either breaking up the clot or stopping the bleeding.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
After emergency care is delivered, the focus turns to rehabilitation from the stroke. Rehabilitation is a vital part of stroke care, with more than 2/3 of stroke survivors receiving some form of rehabilitation after a stroke. The first three months after a stroke are the most important as the brain is more receptive to making new connections to relearn everyday functions.
The effects of a stroke are varied, as they depend on factors such as where the stroke occurred, the size of the stroke and how long the stroke lasted. Each rehabilitation plan will focus on the patient’s specific needs, with the goal being to restore as much independence as possible. Your rehabilitation may include plans for any of the following symptoms:
- Incontinence
- Muscle spasticity (tightness)
- Balance and vision problems
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Aphasia (impaired ability to communicate)
- Memory Problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Pseudobulbar Affect (Emotional lability)
Stroke Rehabilitation with Active Home Health
Going home after a stroke can be a daunting reality to face. Up to this point, you have had constant help from nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and CNAs. They have been by your side, step for step, assisting in your recovery. Getting home may cause you to realize the full extent of how your stroke has affected your daily life. You might feel afraid or even inadequate of facing this on your own.
The good news is that rehabilitation services do not stop once you are discharged from the hospital or long-term care facility. Active Home Health is here to continue that process. In fact, home health rehabilitation services have been shown to decrease hospital readmission rates and lower overall costs of care. Home health also increases the likelihood of staying independent and living at home after a stroke.
The rehabilitation done from home involves the same team members as it would at other institutions. Active Home Health has in-house physical, occupational and speech therapists. These therapists, along with your primary care provider, will develop a plan that is specific to the functional losses associated with your stroke.
Our skilled nurses will provide medication management, observe and assess functional and cognitive status, and provide disease education and training. Our CNAs can provide an extra hand to increase your confidence in maintaining your function and independence.
Some of the many benefits of using Active Home Health include:
- Less stress on your caregivers and family members
- Managing the rehabilitation from home
- Increased confidence in your activities of daily living
- Increased involvement from both you and your family
- Home safety evaluations and modifications
- Reduced risk of falls
- Prevention strategies to prevent a repeat stroke
Why Choose Active Home Health?
Choosing Active Home Health will increase your likelihood of maintaining your independence after having a stroke. Our in-house therapy team and nurses will make sure that your rehabilitation continues from the comfort of your own home. If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of a stroke, call us today and see how our team can restore your active lifestyle!
