In the United States, more than 795,000 people have a stroke every year. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of stroke in order to act quickly. It’s also important to remember that a stroke can be beatable. The American Stroke Association reports more than 7 million stroke survivors living in the U.S.
As the only Life Care community in Juno Beach, Florida, we offer access to a continuum of health care options, including the skilled nursing and rehabilitation services that might be required for stroke recovery. Here’s what you can expect during stroke recovery and rehabilitation at The Waterford.
Signs of Stroke
It is important to note that a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, although they are more common among older adults. The risk of stroke nearly doubles each decade after 55. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and history of stroke are all factors that can increase your risk for stroke.
Signs of stroke in women and in men are the same, although the severity and number of symptoms can differ on an individual basis. Signs and symptoms of stroke can include the sudden onset of severe headache, dizziness or confusion, trouble with walking, vision or speech, facial drooping and weak or numb arms. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. The sooner a stroke victim is able to receive emergency medical attention, the less severe the side effects are likely to be.
Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery can last up to two years for some individuals, with the greatest gains occurring in the first few weeks following a stroke. Therapies may take place at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation center or in a skilled nursing setting. The duration of recovery and the place where short-term rehabilitation occurs will depend on individual circumstances. Your care team will talk with you and your loved ones to determine what the best solution is for your path to recovery.
The sooner a stroke survivor is able to begin participating in rehabilitation, the more effective those therapies will be.
What’s Involved in Stroke Recovery
Because a stroke impacts the brain and consequently the motor and sensory skill controlled by the affected areas of the brain, stroke recovery often involves a team of occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists working together. The goal of the rehabilitation team is to help individuals regain physical and cognitive abilities to maintain independence.
Initial recovery is focused heavily on regaining maximum strength. Activities might include starting on small bedside grooming tasks with an occupational therapist, tongue strengthening exercises with a speech therapist or working on assisted transfers in and out of bed with a physical therapist. Over time, the variety of activities performed with each therapist will increase as will the intensity or distance. For example, as rehabilitation progresses you might practice walking up and down stairs or on uneven terrain with a physical therapist. The therapy team will work with you to reach the milestones you set together.
Stroke Rehabilitation at The Waterford
The stroke recovery services provided at The Waterford are available to residents as well as other older adults in the Juno Beach area. For our independent living residents, the benefit of recovering from stroke at The Waterford is that even if you recover in our short-term rehabilitation unit, you’re still surrounded by the comforts and friendly faces of your familiar community.
If you would like more information about The Waterford or our stroke rehabilitation services, please fill out the form below or call us at 561-627-3800.
