Whether mild or severe, a stroke is a significant health event. And having a stroke is one of the biggest risk factors for future strokes. How can stroke patients optimize their recovery and get on with their lives?
Why Is Rehabilitation So Important?
Strokes affect individuals in different ways. For example, a stroke may impact:
- Emotional regulation
- Ability to make decisions
- Speech patterns
- Eating and drinking functions
- Cognitive perception
Unfortunately, any brain cells lost to stroke do not grow back. That’s why timely intervention is so important, alongside a post-stroke plan.
Acute and Sub-Acute Rehabilitation
Upon discharge from the hospital after an acute stroke, the first focus is rehabilitation. This may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Acute rehab is a vigorous process that may last three to five hours a day and often takes place in an inpatient facility.
The next level of rehabilitation is sub-acute rehab, which is not as intense. The goal is to return patients to baseline functional mobility and prepare them for going home. Patients benefit from early rehab. The sooner they can start to work on mobility and other functions, the better outcomes they will experience.
The Mental Component of Stroke Recovery
It’s important to note that physical rehabilitation is not the only component. Many patients deal with post-stroke depression, which friends and family members sometimes overlook. This type of depression may be subtle or vague, depending on brain damage.
Rehab programs screen for depression and other emotional disruptions. It’s also imperative for family members and friends to be aware of depression symptoms. Support during the rehabilitation process is paramount. Experts note that a positive outlook makes a significant difference in generating positive and timely outcomes. However, a negative or unrealistic outlook may hinder one’s recovery.
Signs of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy and fatigue, and feeling “slowed down”
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Restlessness and irritability
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Returning to the Home Environment
Before patients return home, therapists assess a person’s needs. Depending on one’s level of disability, they may need canes, walkers, braces, or other assistive devices. In the home, patients may need to install modifications like shower bars or ramps to avoid using the stairs.
Occupational therapists often visit the home environment to provide recommendations. While the goal is to get individuals home as soon as possible, it also involves ensuring a home return is as safe as possible.
Role of Diet and Exercise in Stroke Prevention
As mentioned, stroke is one of the biggest risk factors for another stroke. This is why post-stroke recovery also includes steps to reduce that risk. Diet becomes an influential element of post-stroke strategies. Experts urge a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. They also recommend reducing sodium intake and avoiding processed foods.
Exercise is another crucial strategy. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 30 minutes per day of moderate aerobic exercise (such as walking, cycling or swimming). Diet and exercise both play an integral role in preventing a secondary stroke.
Post-Stroke Resources
As stroke patients move through their recovery, they can lean on many resources. The American Heart Association Stroke Resource Library is a robust educational platform, as are the National Institutes of Health Stroke Resources. Stroke support groups also serve as a wonderful resource for stroke survivors and their family members.
Support groups may be in-person or virtual. Individuals attending usually range from new stroke survivors to those who have had a stroke many years ago. The latter type of patient provides a helpful perspective for those who are only beginning to navigate the recovery process. Individuals can consult their healthcare providers for more information about different programs.
Listen to a Podcast
Discover expert insights on post-stroke care and recovery. From lifestyle changes to rehab strategies, this podcast offers guidance for recovery and improving quality of life. Learn from Lindsay Goff, the Primary Stroke Program Coordinator at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, valuable tips and resources to help you and your loved ones after a stroke.
More to Read
- What’s the Link Between Stroke and Depression?
- Ischemic Stroke: How You Can Avoid One
- Stroke 101: How to Identify and Prevent Stroke
- How to Recover After a Stroke
Medical contributions and review by Lindsay Goff, BSN, RN, NRP, Primary Stroke Program Coordinator at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.
