Stroke is all-too-common in elderly people and the population in general. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the third leading cause of death, according to the National Stroke Association.
For stroke survivors and their families, a
good rehabilitation program is key to recovery. When an elderly person has a stroke, the amount of rehabilitation and the success of that rehabilitation depends on:
- Amount of damage to the brain
- Skill on the part of the rehabilitation team
- Cooperation of caregivers, family and friends.
- Timing of rehabilitation – the earlier it begins the more likely survivors are to regain lost abilities and skills
Depending on the severity of the stroke, elderly survivors' lives and their ability to perform daily function can vary greatly. Because stroke survivors often have complex rehabilitation needs, progress and recovery are unique for each person.
Although a majority of functional abilities may be restored soon after a stroke, recovery is an ongoing process. The goal of rehabilitation is to enable a senior who has experienced a stroke to reach the highest possible level of independence and be as productive as possible.
Types of rehabilitation programs
There are several different types of programs and facilities that treat elderly stroke patients:
- Hospital programs in an acute care facility or a rehabilitation hospital
- Long-term care facility with therapy and skilled nursing care
- Outpatient programs
- Home-based programs
- Rehabilitation Specialists
To find a rehabilitation center in your local area, visit the
AgingCare.com directory of senior care providers. Or continue to the next page of this article for more information on elderly strokes.