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Stroke Rehabilitation

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Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, with an estimated 7 million stroke survivors. Each year, approximately 795,000 people have either a new or recurrent stroke. Stroke survivors face multiple challenges, such as weakness on one side of the body, decline in cognitive and emotional functioning, social disability, inability to walk and care for themselves, and a decrease in community participation. Occupational therapy can be instrumental in addressing these challenges at all stages in the continuum of care (i.e., acute, sub-acute, chronic, and post-rehab at home and in the community) and is an important component of the interdisciplinary care provided to stroke survivors in a variety of settings (e.g., neuro-intensive care units, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, home care).

We are experienced in neuro-rehabilitation to work with people experiencing limitations as a result of an acquired brain injury (Head Injury, Stroke etc.) or a neurological disorder (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington's Disease etc.). The rehabilitation aims to maximize participation in chosen daily activities such as grocery shopping, dressing, or succeeding in work/ studies. Interventions are goal directed working towards client and family centered outcomes.

After making a thorough assessment to establish any motor, sensory, cognitive, psychological or social limitations, our therapists will set realistic goals with the individual. A tailor-made program is then developed to enable the individual to achieve their goals. The therapy is practical in nature and takes place wherever would be most useful to integrate therapy into everyday life (we can come to you!). To maximise the success of the rehabilitation program, it is also important to involve family and carers to tailor a program that can be integrated into the persons day to day routines. The emphasis is on using existing skills, developing/ improving abilities and using compensation strategies where appropriate. 

Interventions may include advice and training in the use of adaptive equipment and techniques to manage everyday tasks. If cognitive changes are experienced we can develop programs around planning, organizational and memory strategies to enable a person to become more independent in day to day tasks. We can also provide education and advice on how to cope with physical and psychological effects of a condition.

Rehabilitation and the Resumption of Participation 

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The focus of occupational therapy is to help individuals achieve health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupations (i.e., activities). Occupational therapy practitioners collaborate with clients and their families or caregivers to determine what activities are necessary, meaningful, and/or relevant to them. Based on their education and clinical expertise, and the philosophical basis of the profession, occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely able to analyze the interactions among the person, the environments in which they need to function, and the occupations they need or want to perform.   

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Many stroke survivors have changes in their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities that impede them from independently performing their daily activities related to work, school, parenting, or leisure. Depending on the extent of the stroke, the needs and goals of the client, and the phase of stoke recovery, occupational therapy goals and services may include, but are not limited to the following: 

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  • Further retraining in self-care skills and adapting tasks or environments (post-rehab), including the appropriate use of adaptive equipment to maximize the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely (e.g., bathing, dressing, functional mobility)

  • Addressing ongoing deficits such as weakness, sensory loss, and cognitive or visual impairments that limit engagement in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)

  •  Training in community reintegration and modifying tasks or environments, including, where appropriate, assessment of and training in the use of assistive technology, to maximize independent engagement in IADLs. 

  • Performing work-related task analysis and work site evaluations, and recommending modifications to the workplace; collaborating with educational facilities to facilitate return to school; working with the client on child-care-related tasks and adaptations for safe parenting responsibilities; and recommending adaptations to resume former leisure activities or develop new ones as feasible.  

  • Evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties

  • Developing coping strategies to support psychosocial health and well-being (including relaxation techniques, if appropriate)

  • Teaching and promoting healthy lifestyle habits and routines to minimize risk of secondary stroke

  • Developing strategies to overcome barriers to sexual intimacy 

  • Providing pre-driving and driving evaluations, equipment recommendations for safe return to driving, or education on alternate means of transportation

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