Post-Stroke Rehab Therapy And Home Care
“With the associated risk factors like obesity, diabetes and hypertension on the rise, the number of strokes are expected to rise in the coming years”
Initially regarded as an ailment associated with old age, the incidence of stroke has now been found amongst youngsters as well and this fact is supported by evidence, Also, each year, almost 1.5 million Indians suffer a stroke and it is estimated that with the associated risk factors like obesity, diabetes and hypertension on the rise, the numbers are expected to rise in the coming years.
Stroke has a massive annual morbidity and mortality rate each year and many survivors of a recent stroke episode live with mental and physical impairments that creates impediments in the quality of life they lead.
The Good News
it is heartening to know that a majority of stroke survivors are able to recover with long-term effects absent or minor in severity. So, what is it that what can be done to help a stroke patient regain a normal life and also increase the quality of life? The factors that can guarantee the highest possible degree of independence and function to stroke survivors depend on a number of aspects.
Raising Awareness
The outcome on overall health after a stroke episode depends both on the severity of the stroke and the part of the brain that is damaged. One major determinant is also how early treatment regimens have begun. Thus, neurologists urge all to be familiar with the signs of stroke and raise awareness about the same. After a stroke occurs, every second is precious and being equipped with such knowledge can be a boon for patients.
How Rehabilitation Therapy Works For Stroke Survivors
As the patient becomes medically stable, rehabilitation therapy starts and it’s normally within 24 to 48 hours after a stroke. In case of a severe condition, the patient may have to be taken into a skilled nursing facility for further care before returning home.
Once a patient returns home from the hospital or an intermediate care setting, support services from rehabilitation experts are needed. There are outpatient rehabilitation facilities that provide access to physicians and a full range of therapists that specialize in stroke rehabilitation and post-stroke care. However, a wide range of services are available to patients and this helps them to recover and also to lead a normal life. These services include:
- Medical Service : It includes regular and periodic check-ups by health care professionals for medical conditions and in the day-to-day symptom management
- Physical Therapy : This treatment helps a patient regain physical functionality
- Occupational Therapy : This treatment helps the patient re-adjust to daily activities such as walking, eating and dressing
- Speech-Language Therapy : Helps a patient get back language and communication skills
- Mental Health Counselling : This treatment helps overcome all mental. emotional and behavioural changes seen in a patient following a stroke
Home Care
Intermediate health care settings and rehabilitation centres provide effective care options, but home care is a preferred choice. Also, skilled home health care and rehabilitation services offer treatment mostly in outpatient rehabilitation settings.
Types Of Home Health Care Services
Home modification solutions aims to make life safer and easier for stroke survivors. This Includes simple modifications in the home environment like proper lighting, uncluttered hallways and handrails on stairs etc.
Non-medical in home care services are lower in cost and include counselling and support for the patients that help in faster recovery. This service helps patients with activities like tracking appointments, transportation services and meetings. It also provides assistance with activities of daily living and other services like housekeeping and meal preparation.
Rehabilitation Tips
- Avoid delay in seeking medical care. Patients seeking medical attention within three hours of their first symptoms are less likely to have a disability
- Keep all your medical information with you
- Make sure diabetes and blood pressure is under control
- Choose a top care centre for post- stroke rehabilitation therapy
- A healthy and nutritious diet is crucial for overall well-being and a stroke patient should eat a well- balanced diet
- Proper compliance with treatment regimen is crucial
- Exercise, only as much as you can comfortably. Moderate to light exercise as recommended by your physical therapist is beneficial
- Limit stress. Keeping away from undue mental pressures is linked with better outcomes
- Stay positive. It is extremely critical to keep a positive outlook and keep depression at bay
- Stay vigilant. A stroke increases the likelihood of a second stroke, which can be far more dangerous. Thus, keep a close check on your health