Stroke Recovery: Understanding the Journey & Support

The American Heart Association notes that there are approximately 6,500,000 stroke survivors alive today. Stroke patients undergo significant changes after suffering a stroke; recovery is necessary for them regain a normal life. During recovery, stroke patients must modify, relearn and redefine their lives.

Changes

• St. John's Hospital states that the effects of a stroke depends on the patient's injury. Some of these common noticeable changes may include pain, numbness, bowel or bladder problems, rapid mood changes, loss of sensory stimulation and fatigue.

Tasks

• The patient's tasks in rehab may include self-care skills such as grooming and bathing, communication skills and cognitive skills such as problem solving or memory, and social skills.

Setting

• The patient begins rehabitabilitation when his doctor deems him medically stable and able to benefit from it. Stroke patients receive care in long-term care facilities, acute-care and rehabilitation hospitals, at home, or in outpatient facilities.

Support

• Stroke support groups give stroke survivors the chance to share ideas, feelings and resources. Often, they provide critical educational information for stroke survivors and caregivers.

Recurrence

• According to St. John's Hospital, within 5 years after suffering a stroke, survivors face a 40 percent chance of having another stroke.