Stroke Recovery Stages

When a stroke victim enters the hospital, a care plan is constructed to map out treatment goals and eventual discharge. As the patient progresses through the stages of recovery, the plan of care is changed to meet the person's current needs and goals are updated to reflect those changes.

The first stage of recovery takes place in the acute care setting where the patient's condition is stabilized after a stroke. During this time, a conglomerate of medical specialties, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies are employed that focus on the specific needs the person may have. This stage of recovery can take days to months depending on the severity of brain and nerve damage.

The second stage involves rehabilitation, which can take place in the acute care phase, or the patient may be transferred to another facility for on-going care and treatment. A specialty trained physician, called a physiatrist, teams up with nurses and other trained professionals to administer training and teaching according to the patient's needs.

Third stage is the focus of long term care. Some patients do not have the ability to withstand the rigors of rehab, let alone live on their own at home. Therefore, care is received in nursing homes or other facilities geared toward caring for patients with long term disabilities. Care in these facilities is not as rigorous as in-patient rehabilitation. The patient can be discharged to home once they are able to care for themselves safely and receive out patient care.

The fourth stage of recovery concerns home care. The doctor in charge of the patient's care writes an order for in home therapy arranged with a home health care agency. A registered nurse will visit the patient in their home and assess for what services will be of most benefit. The nurse then makes a care plan that includes treatment goals and professional services the patient will need. Modalities for treatment will take place several days per week for physical, speech, and occupational therapists to visit the home, as well as a home health aid to assist with hygiene care if needed.

The fifth stage allows the patient to leave the home to continue out patient therapy carried out at a hospital or therapy clinic. This stage helps the patient to gain confidence in living independently, and returning to activities previously enjoyed. The length of time for out patient therapy is dependent upon the needs of the patient and usually ends after 6 months. Stroke recovery progress continues years after a stroke as the patient regains more self confidence in living independently.

Although stroke can make drastic changes to a person life, it does not mean that life is over. Many patients go on to live full and productive lives afterwards, due to improved health maintenance and advances in treatment.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT