Stroke Rehabilitation

What Is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation aims to get the patient back to independence as soon as possible. To be effective:

Rehabilitation must begin as soon as the patient's medical condition is stable.

There must be regular communication between the rehabilitation team, the patient and the patient's family.

It is vital that the patient's family participates in the rehabilitation programme.

Who Will Benefit?

Most sufferers of mild or moderate stroke will benefit from rehabilitation. Recovery will be gradual and will vary from person to person - speed and extent will depend on the medical condition and the severity of the stroke.

The Rehabilitation Programme

The Rehabilitation team consists of the Physiotherapist, the Occupational Therapist and the Speech Therapist. After careful assessment, they will plan an individualised treatment programme for the patient. Information relating to the patient and his progress will be shared with the Physician, Nurse, Medical Social Worker and Dietitian throughout the rehabilitation programme. Family participation at these sessions is encouraged as it will help motivate the patient.

What Can The Family Do To Help Recovery?

As a family member, you can encourage the patient to do the following exercises while in hospital.

In Bed

Lying with a pillow held between the knees and hands clasped, raise both arms and roll from side to side.

Points to remember:
- Stand on the affected side of the patient.

- Talk to the patient, encouraging and praising all efforts.

Sitting Up

In a sitting position, reach across to the bedside table.

Points to remember:

- Support the affected arm on a pillow

- Place familiar objects on the affecter side.

- Stimulate movement by giving encouragement and help if necessary

Sitting On A Chair

Encourage movement of the upper limb as shown below.

Points to remember:

- Sit on the affected side of the patient.

- Support the affected arm on a table or with a pillow.

- Rest feet flat on the floor or on a foot-rest.

- Place familiar objects all over the table.

- Assist movement by, for example, lifting the hand up and down slowly.

These suggested activities should be encouraged throughout the day. When you're visiting, don't be afraid to wake the patient up to do them. Remember that your participation in the rehabilitation programme will encourage the patient to move again.