When a loved one has a stroke, there is nothing they want more than to get home as quickly as possible. But as a caregiver, you may not always know how to help, what to expect and where to go for care.
The goal of the emergency room care team is to stabilize your loved one’s condition and prevent further risk. Once your loved one’s condition is considered stable, their care team will likely outline several different locations where they can start stroke rehabilitation to regain their skills and strength.
Not all settings are the same. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities and acute rehab units are specifically designed to help people who have experienced severe effects due to illness or injury, including stroke. Below, we outline exactly what inpatient rehab is, and why it is the right choice for your loved one.
Why Inpatient Rehab?
According to the American Heart and Stroke Association, the best place to receive rehab is in an inpatient rehab facility or acute rehab unit. They help your loved one recover faster and return home sooner than other settings like a nursing home.
It’s Important to Start Early
The quicker your loved ones start rehabilitation therapy when their condition is stable, the better their chances are for recovery from any mental or physical changes resulting from the stroke. Studies show that when inpatient rehabilitation begins within seven days of stroke, people are about one and a half times more likely to go home and 38% less likely to return to the hospital than those who are not referred within seven days.
If you are interested in inpatient rehab, a Kindred clinical liaison will meet with your loved one’s care coordinator at the hospital to review their medical history and recent treatment and determine if care with us is an option. Then, all parties will agree on an admission date and prepare for the transition.
How Kindred Can Help
When you choose Kindred for stroke rehabilitation, your loved one and your family are the most important members of the rehabilitation team. We surround you with a team of experienced specialty doctors and nurses who oversee care, preserve your loved one’s dignity and treat them with respect. The care team also includes:
- Physical therapists who work on problems with movement, balance and coordination
- Occupational therapists who help patients practice eating, bathing, dressing, writing and other daily tasks
- Certified speech therapists who help you recover speech, language, mental and swallowing skills
- Specialists who help you learn to use orthotic and adaptive equipment, such as walkers or canes
- Nutritional counselors
- Case managers and social workers who oversee your care transitions and help connect you with community resources
- Psychologists
We offer inpatient rehabilitation and acute rehabilitation in locations across the country. To find out if our rehab services are offered in your area, search our website or call 1.866.KINDRED to speak with a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your care.