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What is it about ?
Most people have permanent sequelae from a stroke. Often, the person can only use the right or left part of their body (hemiplegia). Disturbances in the field of vision are frequent. Higher brain functions can also be impaired, causing difficulty in speaking, controlling movements and recognizing sensory stimuli. These consequences can have a significant impact on daily life. Often it becomes difficult to live alone at home. This is why a rehabilitation plan is started as soon as possible after a stroke.
What does a rehabilitation plan consist of?
After a stroke, we always stay a certain time in the hospital, preferably in a unit specializing in strokes (“stroke unit”). Rehabilitation is started as soon as possible, from the first day if possible. As the disorders associated with a stroke can be very diverse, rehabilitation is a real teamwork. The rehabilitation team is made up of a (rehabilitation) doctor, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a nurse, a social worker and possibly a psychologist.
The family is also closely involved in the rehabilitation process, for example in the development of the rehabilitation plan. This plan includes a number of goals, such as re-educating paralyzed muscles, relearning to stand up straight, stand up and walk, learn actions useful in daily life (for example, learn to eat on your own despite weakness in one arm ), do exercises for speaking, and if necessary receive psychological support.
Rehabilitation continues at home as soon as possible. The team therefore follows you at all times, even after your discharge from the hospital. It is a good idea to organize a team meeting with all the care providers involved. The appointments are noted in a care record, and the results are regularly evaluated.
Sometimes discharge from the hospital after the acute phase is not yet possible. The person is then referred to a specialized rehabilitation service or center for intensive rehabilitation.
What is the team doing?
The physiotherapist mainly helps the person to recover muscle function. It supervises walking and weight training exercises, but also prevents muscle strain (contractures) and improves posture and incorrect movements. He also teaches home exercises.
The occupational therapist teaches skills which must allow one to cope on a daily basis despite the deficits. If necessary, it offers accessories for, for example, going to the bathroom or for eating.
The speech therapist helps the person to speak through special exercises. He also gives advice to the family on the best way to communicate with the patient.
The psychologist will help develop the perception of a positive meaning. Many people start to get depressed because of their deficits. They are suddenly removed from their social environment, they can no longer work and find it difficult to occupy their days in a useful way.
Usually, medication should be started or medication adjusted after a stroke. Your GP will monitor this closely. It analyzes blood pressure, cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk, and treats if necessary. In the event of real depression, he may consider prescribing an antidepressant.
Good coordination of home care is very important. As a stroke victim, you (or your entourage / family) can do much of it yourself. For this, you can get help from social assistance or the general practitioner. Find out about the possibilities available to you.
How do things work out in practice?
Intensive rehabilitation begins in the hospital, with daily training with the help of the team and adapted to stroke-related disorders. Nurses and family are also encouraged to become actively involved with you. This training continues after discharge from the hospital until there is no further improvement. It usually takes between six months and a year.
Subsequently, basic rehabilitation begins, with the aim of maintaining the improvements obtained and preventing muscle deformation (contractures). These are generally exercises to be done 2 to 3 times a week with the physiotherapist. During this phase, the contribution of the home nurse and the family is even more important. They must indeed ensure that the person moves regularly.
Sometimes, it may be useful to occasionally resume intensive rehabilitation, with or without admission to a hospital rehabilitation service.
Find out more
- Living after a stroke – HErasme hospital
- Access to sport for people with disabilities or reduced mobility – Eating and Moving – Health Question
- Caregivers – An association that supports people who regularly help a loved one who is dependent on their age, illness or disability
- DocsAidants – Information for people who regularly help a loved one who is dependent because of their age, illness or disability
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