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Discharge Planning & Rehabilitation for Stroke Victims

Every year, thousands of people suffer from a stroke and its associated complications. A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is either blocked or dramatically reduced. Blood flow brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells, keeping them healthy. When the normal flow is disrupted brain cells begin to die after several minutes. Over the past few years, the survival rate after stroke has soared, so it is important to focus on the rehabilitation process to help patients regain as many of their previous abilities as possible.

  1. Hospital Discharge Planning

    • Following a stroke, the patient is rushed to the hospital and stabilized, and the blood flow to the brain is restored. In the days following a stroke, doctors will seek to prevent any future strokes and to limit the complications associated with the original stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. A patient usually is discharged from the hospital several days after the stroke, after a doctor gives the "all clear." According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients will be typically sent to a rehabilitation center, usually associated with their hospital, and the more quickly the treatment begins the greater the likelihood of regaining lost capabilities.

    Rehabilitation Process

    • Rehabilitation time varies, depending on the severity of the stroke and the damage to the brain. The three most common effects from a stroke are speech impediments, decreased motor skill coordination and depression. Many patients need to learn to speak again, to walk again, to use their hands, and to complete daily tasks. Due to the intense nature of the treatment, some people develop depression, which needs to be addressed to ensure continued dedication to rehabilitation. After several weeks of rehabilitation, the patient usually will be sent home or to an assisted-living facility to continue the recovery process, but at a more gradual pace.

    Long-Term Implications

    • If the effects of the stroke remain severe, physical therapy will be necessary. For minor stroke sufferers, the initial rehab might be enough for them to be able to live on their own and resume their usual activities. The rehabilitation process will last for as long as the patient continues to show side effects from the stroke. Physical therapy can go on for months or years before patients regain some or all of their previous abilities. The recovery time will depend on the severity of the stroke coupled with the effort put into rehabilitation.

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