If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, you know all too well how scary and challenging the recovery journey can be. Strokes often affect physical abilities, communication skills, and emotional well-being. This makes comprehensive care and rehabilitation essential for regaining independence, especially for seniors.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), every year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, and of those people about one-third of strokes occurred in subjects over 80. Strokes significantly impact mobility, with more than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older experiencing reduced mobility. This loss of mobility can make daily activities challenging and impact a person’s independence.
Skilled nursing facilities like ours are equipped to address these needs through personalized care and therapy. Our team of physical, occupational and speech therapists are specially trained to help stroke survivors rebuild strength, regain mobility, and improve their quality of life.
What is Skilled Nursing?
For those who are unfamiliar, skilled nursing is a specialized service that offers comprehensive medical and therapeutic care for those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Our skilled nursing facilities offer 24/7 medical supervision, assistance with daily needs, and a range of therapies tailored to each individual’s recovery goals.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rehabilitation
We understand that every recovery journey is unique, which is why we offer both long-term and short-term rehabilitation options. Both programs include a private room at one of our skilled nursing facilities, allowing us to provide comprehensive, around-the-clock care. The primary difference between these programs lies in the severity of the patient’s impairments and the level of therapy required for recovery.
Short-term rehabilitation is ideal for patients with less severe impairments who need focused, intensive therapy to regain mobility and communication before returning home. These programs are typically time-limited and designed to help patients recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Long-term rehabilitation, on the other hand, is suited for individuals with more complex or severe impairments who require extended care and therapy. This program ensures sustained support to help patients manage ongoing health challenges, maintain progress, and work toward their recovery goals at their own pace.
Potential Stroke Side Effects in Seniors
Seniors who experience a stroke can face a variety of physical and mental impairments, depending on the location and severity of the stroke. These impairments can affect mobility, communication, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Here are some of the most common side effects:
Physical Impairments
- Paralysis or Weakness: Often affects one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia). Can make walking, grasping objects, or performing daily tasks challenging.
- Loss of Balance and Coordination: Difficulty standing, walking, or performing precise movements, increasing the risk of falls.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Trouble swallowing can lead to choking or malnutrition.
- Chronic Pain or Numbness: Unusual sensations, pain, or loss of feeling in affected areas.
- Vision Problems: Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes or difficulty judging distances.
Mental & Cognitive Impairments
- Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline: Difficulty remembering recent events, processing information, or solving problems.
- Communication Challenges: Aphasia (trouble speaking, understanding language, or finding the right words) and dysarthria (slurred or difficult speech due to muscle weakness)
- Emotional Changes: Depression, anxiety, frustration, or mood swings resulting from brain injury or adapting to new limitations.
- Difficulty with Executive Function: Trouble organizing, planning, or completing tasks due to impaired reasoning skills.
- Behavioral Changes: Impulsivity or reduced ability to control emotions and behavior.
It’s important to remember that the physical and mental effects of a stroke are varied, and no two people will experience the same thing. Stroke patients may experience one or multiple of these side effects which can present themselves immediately or slowly over time. The best way to recognize and manage symptoms is to seek help from a medical professional and begin a rehabilitation program.
Is Rehabilitation Necessary After A Stroke?
Although most people are quick to seek the help of a medical professional immediately after a stroke occurs, they often skip out on rehabilitation, thinking that they can handle it on their own. Patients may not feel emotionally ready or physically strong enough to handle rehabilitation, they might lack support or simply can’t afford it. We feel it’s our duty to address these concerns and provide potential solutions so that seniors and caregivers alike can feel comfortable and confident moving forward with skilled nursing care.
Rehabilitation after a stroke is essential for helping survivors regain independence, improve quality of life, and minimize the long-term effects of their condition. Rehabilitation via skilled nursing focuses on addressing these areas through targeted therapies, helping individuals rebuild strength, relearn vital skills, and adapt to any lasting changes. It also provides crucial emotional support to boost confidence and motivation during recovery. Without rehabilitation, stroke survivors may face greater health risks and complications.
Why Should I Choose Skilled Nursing Over Other Forms of Rehabilitation?
Skilled nursing offers a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that goes beyond what other forms of care may provide. Unlike outpatient or in-home therapy, skilled nursing facilities offer 24/7 medical supervision, ensuring that any health concerns are promptly addressed.
Trusted Team of Professionals
Skilled nursing facilities like ours provide a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists. They collaborate to create a recovery plan tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. You can think of these professionals as your personal recovery team who will take the time to listen to your needs and make sure that you feel comfortable with your recovery plan.
Specialized Equipment
At Delmar Gardens, our skilled nursing facilities are equipped with advanced tools and technology to support recovery. From state-of-the-art therapy equipment to assistive devices, our facilities are designed to meet the diverse needs of those recovering from stroke, surgery, or managing chronic health conditions.
Our physical therapy areas feature specialized equipment such as parallel bars, balance trainers, and gait training devices to help residents regain mobility and improve strength. For those working on fine motor skills and daily tasks, our occupational therapy rooms include adaptive tools and simulators that mimic real-life scenarios, such as cooking or dressing. Residents also benefit from advanced therapy technologies like electrical stimulation devices, which can help improve muscle function and reduce pain.
For individuals with speech or swallowing difficulties, our speech therapy programs utilize innovative tools, including voice amplification devices and digital feedback systems, to support communication and safe eating practices. Additionally, we provide assistive devices like walkers, wheelchairs, and customized seating to enhance mobility and comfort for our residents.
Emotional Support
Our skilled nursing facilities also address the emotional and social aspects of recovery, which are often left out of other recovery programs. Residents have the opportunity to connect with others who are also recovering and facing similar challenges, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Our compassionate staff is also available to provide emotional support, offering encouragement and guidance throughout the recovery journey. With structured activities, social opportunities, and a nurturing environment, residents can rebuild not only their physical abilities but also their confidence and overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that recovery is as much about thriving emotionally and socially as it is about achieving physical progress.
Welcoming Environment with 24/7 Medical Monitoring
We understand that many stroke survivors feel more comfortable in their own homes and may be hesitant to consider moving to a skilled nursing facility. Your home is your comfort zone, and leaving it can feel unsettling. However, at Delmar Gardens, we strive to create an environment that feels just as warm and welcoming. Our private rooms can be personalized with your favorite items from home—photos, blankets, or even cherished furniture—making the space uniquely yours.
Beyond comfort, our skilled nursing facilities offer the invaluable benefit of 24/7 medical monitoring. This level of supervision is especially important for stroke patients, as it helps prevent complications such as infections, blood clots, or recurring strokes. Our staff gets to know our residents on both a medical and personal level to provide specialized care and connection during the recovery process. They closely monitor vitals and mobility progress to adjust care plans to meet the evolving needs of our skilled nursing residents.
The Delmar Gardens Difference
Choosing Delmar Gardens for stroke recovery and rehabilitation means placing your trust in a team that is dedicated to helping survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life. Our skilled nursing facilities provide the comprehensive care and personalized therapy needed to address the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges of stroke recovery.
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about our stroke recovery programs or schedule a tour of our skilled nursing facilities. With the right care and guidance, even the toughest recovery paths can be overcome.