STROKE RECOVERY AT HOME

A Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptures, resulting in the death of brain tissue. The body functions controlled by the injured brain tissues are impaired or stop functioning. The effects of stroke vary greatly. Doctors treat stroke with a combination of hospital care, surgery, drugs, rehabilitation, and in most cases, follow up care at home.

While the patient is in the hospital, the staff determines the type of stroke. Knowing the cause helps reduce the risk of another stroke. (Having had a stroke is a major risk factor for having another one.) The hospital treatment team will assess the damage caused by the stroke. They will also stabalize the patient's medical condition. Next, a rehabilitative plan must be developed.

Returning home after a stroke can be challenging for both the patient and the family. That is when Nursing Unlimited Home Health Agency's team of professionals can offer help. Even before the patient leaves the hospital, work can begin to make the transition back home a smooth one.

Nursing Unlimited 2000's home care team may include:

• Skilled Nurses
  
• Physical Therapists
  
• Occupational Therapists
  
• Speech/Language Pathologists
  
• Home Health Aides
  
• Dietitians
  
• Medical Social Workers

Team members are brought in as needed for the treatment plan established by the patient's physician and the home care team.

Rehabilitation is one of the areas where the Nursing Unlimited 2000 team can help the patient. They will work with the patient and family to help the patient regain any possible functional abilities lost because of the stroke. Depending on the effects of the stroke, the patient may benefit from the services of a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and/or a speech/language pathologist.

Through an effective treatment plan, patients can achieve higher levels of independence, reduce risk of another stroke, and enjoy improved quality of life.

The Physical Therapist from Nursing Unlimited 2000 will help the patient with therapeutic exercises, ambulation, and transfers. An occupational therapist may assist the patient in learning to perform the activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing, etc. In addition, the occupational therapist can help with adapting the home to better meet the patient's needs.

Stroke patients need to be as active as possible, even if their mobility is severely limited. The home health nurse, along with the physical therapist, works in cooperation with the patient's physician to get the patient involved with a safe, effective activity program.

Stroke victims often have trouble with communication. For many patients this is the most frustrating problem caused by the stroke. A speech/language pathologist from Nursing Unlimited 2000 can help the patient improve communications skills. Working in the familiar environment of the home can be helpful in this process.

Medications prescribed by the physician are an important part of the treatment plan. The nursing staff of Nursing Unlimited 2000 will help the patient and family understand and properly use the medications prescribed. She will also help patients make other critical lifestyle changes needed to reduce the risk of another stroke. Patients must not smoke. Blood pressure, weight, cholesterol levels, and diabetes must be carefully controlled. Nursing Unlimited 2000 has nurses certified in diabetic education and nutritional counseling who are available when needed.

Family members play an important role throughout the care process. Their role is critical. Stroke patients need a great deal of emotional support. Family members also need to know the signs and symptoms of problems. The nurses and medical social workers can offer all types of information and counseling which will help the patient recover quicker and provide the family with necessary information.