What to Expect During Stroke Recovery at Abbey Delray South
At Abbey Delray South, our residents love to stay active. Not only because they genuinely enjoy strolling our lush, resort-like campus or taking a group water exercise class with friends, but also because they know that a healthy heart and a healthy mind lower their risk factors for chronic disease and other medical conditions like stroke.
Every year, more than 795,000 people have a stroke in the United States. At the Abbey Delray South Health Center, our rehabilitation team works closely with many stroke survivors on their road to recovery. Whether or not you or your loved one is a current resident of Abbey Delray South, here’s what you can expect during stroke recovery.
Signs of Stroke
While it is true a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, older adults are at greater risk. In fact, the risk of stroke nearly doubles each decade after the age of 55. Other risk factors for stroke include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and a history of stroke.
Signs of stroke can include the sudden onset of confusion, trouble walking, difficulty with speech, and vision trouble as well as face drooping and weak or numb arms. Signs and symptoms of stroke are similar for both women and men and should be taken seriously.
A stroke can be beatable, but it is important to act fast. If you or a loved one is exhibiting one or more symptoms — don’t wait. Call 911 to receive life-saving medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner medical professionals can intervene, the less severe the effects of the stroke are likely to be.
Stroke Recovery
The American Stroke Association reports that there are 7 million stroke survivors living in the United States. Recovery from stroke can be long, but there are significant improvements to be made throughout the recovery journey, with the greatest improvement taking place in the first few weeks following a stroke.
The intensity and duration of a rehabilitation plan varies on an individual basis. For some, recovery might last a few weeks, but for others it might take a year or more. Similarly, where recovery occurs can vary on a case-by-case basis. Stroke recovery might occur in an inpatient short-term rehabilitation center, in skilled nursing care or perhaps recovery is all in the comfort of your own home with visits to an outpatient rehabilitation location. The decision of where to rehabilitate will be one that you, your loved ones and care team make together.
What’s Involved in Stroke Recovery
Because a stroke occurs in the brain, the side effects, and subsequent rehabilitation, are focused on the motor and sensory skills controlled by the affected areas of the brain. Stroke recovery often requires a multidisciplinary approach that engages physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy professionals. Together, the rehabilitation team works to regain maximal muscle function and address any long-term challenges to independence.
The first few weeks of stroke recovery focus on regaining strength, coordination and range of motion. Rehabilitation activities are centered around smaller actions, like bedside grooming tasks or moving from the bed to a chair with assistance. As strength returns and therapy continues, activities progress to include independent task completion and movement with or without adaptive devices or durable medical equipment.
Stroke Rehabilitation at Abbey Delray South
Abbey Delray South rehabilitation and skilled nursing services are available to residents and non-residents alike recovering from stroke. For residents, the benefit of recovering from stroke at Abbey Delray South means you can remain in the comfort and familiarity of your community and there’s no need to arrange transportation to therapy appointments. Plus, whether you remain in your independent living residence while doing outpatient rehabilitation, or recover in our skilled nursing unit, your friends and favorite team members are nearby, ready to provide support and encouragement on your road to recovery.
For more information on our community or the rehabilitation services offered at Abbey Delray South, please fill out the form below or call us at 561-272-9600.