Rehabilitation After Stroke / Brain Attack

Goals of Stroke Rehabilitation
When recovering from a stroke, rehabilitation is critical in helping the survivor return to independent living. The effects of a brain attack may leave a survivor needing to change, relearn, or redefine day-to-day living.

Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by a brain attack, rather, the focus of rehabilitation is to rebuild strength, capability, and confidence -- so daily activities can continue despite the effects of stroke. The rehabilitation program is generally designed around, and dependent on, what the patient needs to move from illness to independence.

Areas of Rehabilitation Often Include:

• self-care skills (feeding, grooming, bathing and dressing)
• mobility skills (walking or self-propelling a wheelchair)
• communication skills (speech and language)
• cognitive skills (memory or problem solving)
• socialization skills (interacting with other people)

Rehabilitation begins when the doctor determines that the patient is medically stable and able to benefit from it. Under the doctor's direction, rehabilitation specialists come together to provide a treatment program specifically suited to the needs of the patient and his/her family.

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
• at home, through home health agencies
• outpatient facilities