A Guide to Rehab, VNA, and Home Care for Stroke Survivors
Stroke survivors can benefit greatly from in-home private care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation hospitals. These services can help stroke survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Today, we will explain how these three types of care assist in helping stroke survivors get back home to be with their families.
What We’ll Cover:
- When you need a rehab hospital
- Rehabilitation after stroke care
- The role of physical therapy
- How long stroke care lasts at a rehab hospital
- The benefits of VNA services
- How in-home private care improves quality of life
- How to arrange in-home private care
- Key takeaways
When You Need a Rehab Hospital
After a stroke has occurred, your loved one will be spending time at the hospital. Sometimes, that is a few days or could be weeks. After someone is stabilized and discharged, they will head to a rehabilitation hospital.
Rehabilitation hospitals are another important resource for stroke survivors. These hospitals provide intensive rehabilitation services to help stroke survivors regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
These facilities typically have a team of healthcare professionals, including stroke caregivers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
These professionals work together to create a personalized rehabilitation plan for each stroke survivor. Their hospitals provide education and support to stroke recovery and survivors’ families.
Rehabilitation After Stroke Care
Rehabilitation hospitals provide specialized care and treatment for stroke survivors to help them recover as much function and independence as possible. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the individual regain physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities lost or impaired as part of stroke recovery.
The rehabilitation process typically begins with an assessment to determine the extent of the stroke and the specific areas of improvement. This treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may focus on improving strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. In contrast, occupational therapy may focus on helping the individual perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and grooming. Speech therapy may focus on helping the individual to communicate and swallow.
In addition to these therapies, rehabilitation hospitals may provide education and support for the individual and their family to help them understand the recovery process and learn how to manage any ongoing symptoms or challenges. This step may include information on preventing another stroke and managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Rehabilitation hospitals may also provide specialized services such as cognitive and recreational therapy to help the individual improve their memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and overall quality of life.
How Long Does Stroke Care Last at a Rehab Hospital?
The length of stay in a rehabilitation hospital can vary depending on the individual’s needs and progress but typically ranges from several weeks to several months. After a hospital discharge, individuals may continue to receive rehabilitation services on an outpatient basis.
You can count on rehabilitation hospitals to provide the following:
- Intensive rehabilitation services
- Team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists
- Personalized rehabilitation plans
- Education and support for stroke survivors and their families
- Inpatient and outpatient services
Stroke care services can restore dignity, safety, and happiness.
The Benefits of Certified Home Care & VNA Services
Once someone exits a discharge from the rehab hospital, they go home. They still will continue with services through a certified home care company. In Massachusetts, we call these organizations Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs).
The VNA collects payment through your Medicare/Medicaid entitlement programs and assists in the home for task-based needs. These are shorter visits focused on a client’s specific needs.
Stroke home care services can provide a range of stroke recovery for survivors, including:
1) Medical Care
Nurses can provide ongoing medical care and monitoring for stroke survivors, including administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care.
2) Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can help stroke survivors regain strength and mobility through exercises and other therapies.
3) Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists can help stroke survivors learn how to perform daily activities, such as dressing and grooming, with greater ease and independence.
4) Speech Therapy
Stroke survivors who have difficulty speaking or swallowing may benefit from speech therapy. Speech therapists can teach them exercises to improve their communication skills and help them regain their ability to swallow.
5) Nutrition
Nutritionists can work with stroke survivors to create a healthy and balanced diet to help with recovery and overall health.
6) Emotional Support
Staff can provide emotional support and counseling to stroke survivors and their families, helping them adjust to the changes that come with a stroke.
7) Coordination of Care
Stroke caregivers can work with other healthcare providers, such as doctors and specialists, to coordinate and manage live-in care for stroke survivors.
VNA home care services can help stroke survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life through Medicare benefits. These services are task-based and don’t come with large blocks of time as a stroke home care service would.
Find around-the-clock support for your elderly loved one today.
How In-Home Private Care Improves Quality of Life
Stroke home care for stroke survivors can include various services and support to help them with their stroke recovery and activities of daily living. Some ways that stroke survivors can rely on in-home private care include:
1) Strength and Mobility
In-home physical therapy can help stroke survivors regain strength and mobility in their affected limbs. Physical therapists are scheduled for a short period and prescribe motion exercises that improve balance and coordination. Seniors usually need someone to nudge them always to do these exercises, which is where a caregiver comes in.
2) Occupational Therapy
Like PT, occupational therapists aren’t visiting daily, so the exercises can combine with a caregiver. The goal is to improve these skills for someone who has recently had a stroke.
3) Personal Care
In-home care providers can assist stroke survivors with personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
4) Medication Reminders
Stroke caregivers can help stroke survivors with their medications. Reminding them to take their medications at the right time every single day.
5) Companionship
In-home care providers can provide companionship and emotional support to stroke survivors who may feel isolated or lonely after their stroke.
6) Meal Prep
Caregivers can prepare meals for stroke survivors and ensure they eat a healthy and balanced diet.
7) Transportation
In addition, stroke caregivers can provide transportation or accompany individuals to appointments and therapy sessions, helping stroke survivors stay on track with their recovery plans.
How to Arrange In-Home Private Care
In-home private care is a great option for stroke survivors who need help with daily living activities. This 24-hour senior care can include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks.
Stroke home care providers can also help with meal preparation, medication management, and transportation to appointments.
This type of care allows stroke survivors to remain in their homes and remain independent while receiving the care they need. Stroke caregivers are often more flexible in their scheduling and can provide more personalized care.
Overall, in-home care can provide stroke survivors with the support they need to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Key Takeaways
When a family member has a stroke, it is painful, stressful, and can be a long journey home.
Knowing your stroke recovery options allows you to put a plan together for a successful return home. Contact us today to get your loved one back to their best life again.
If you have questions about taking care of a senior, contact us today!
About Us
Minute Women Home Care is a premium, non-medical stroke home care assistance provider. We work with our clients to live at home with dignity and respect by assisting with their activities of daily living. We support families in their mission to allow their parents to age in place rather than transition to a nursing facility.