Stroke is an acute medical condition that can often be fatal. It affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause long-term issues such as memory loss, speech difficulties, or paralysis. With rehabilitation services in a wide range of areas such as Psychological, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, stroke survivors find it easier to recover. According to senior therapy and rehabilitation manager at Beaumont Royal Hospital Harriett Izzard, “Stroke can result in an overall decline in quality of life, and it can be a difficult time for the patient and their family.”
An estimated 3 million people were affected by stroke in 1997. In 2001, about 700,000 stroke sufferers were living in England. These numbers are expected to continue to rise as the population ages. About 5% of strokes are fatal. As many as 90% of people with a stroke will die within six months after the event has happened.
1. Psychological Services
1. Psychological ServicesThe human brain has a lot of potentials and can be activated. If the brain is not functioning at its best or gets affected by a stroke, many people need to work with a psychological services provider. A psychologist will help the client process and understand their thoughts and feelings. They can help prevent future strokes by teaching simple life skills.
2. Occupational Therapy Services
Occupational therapists help stroke survivors learn how to do everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, writing and speaking in a social setting. They teach them how to perform those skills safely with the correct techniques. Before the stroke, a stroke survivor may have been able to perform those tasks without too much difficulty. After their stroke, they may find it difficult to do these skills without support and guidance from an occupational therapist.
3. Speech Therapy Services
Speech therapy is designed to help patients who have lost their ability to speak the language that once came naturally to them. Someone who suffered a stroke may lose their ability to talk in short-term or long-term periods because the damage caused in the brain can make those areas suddenly less critical. As a result, speech therapists work with clients on how they can redevelop better speech mechanisms and develop new ones.
4. Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapists work closely with patients to check on their progress and help them increase their strength and function. It means that stroke survivors may find it easier to rack up their power and use functional skills once again.
In the hospital, stroke survivors usually receive a lot of rehabilitation in a short period. However, hosting them for long periods can be difficult for families or friends, so some services are available to provide them with additional support once they have recovered and left the hospital. It can mean meal preparation and other necessities such as laundry shopping or driving the client.