Stroke Rehabilitation
Early Rehabilitation Is the Key to Improvement
Stroke injures the brain and can affect many physical, mental and emotional functions. Many patients who suffer a stroke have some type of disability as a result. The disability will depend on the size and location of the stroke.
MyMichigan offers specialized stroke rehabilitation to help patients overcome the physical, mental and emotional impacts of stroke and regain their independence. It is important to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke for the greatest likelihood of recovery and adaptation. Most functional improvement after stroke occurs in the first three to six months of rehabilitation.
Customized Care
Since stroke damage varies depending on severity, each patient's plan of care will be customized to his or her needs. At the beginning of the program, our staff will assess the patient's level of function and areas of need. This provides an objective basis for us to design a plan of care and to measure progress throughout the program.
Possible goals and results for stroke rehabilitation include:
- Regaining balance and coordination
- Reducing dependence on nursing care or other care providers for daily living
- Learning new ways to bathe, dress and perform other activities with only one hand
- Learning new ways to manage bowel or bladder function
- Relearning the use of language or finding different ways to communicate
- Improving swallowing ability
- Developing exercise programs to help retain new skills
Outcomes and Expectations
Many stroke rehabilitation patients are able to function fairly independently after completing the program, perhaps needing only supervision or limited assistance, whereas they originally may have required maximum to moderate assistance for self care and mobility.
Approximately 80 percent of stroke rehabilitation inpatients at MyMichigan are able to return home. The average length of stay in our Inpatient Rehabilitation unit is 10 days, but depending on progress and needs, patients may stay from 4 days to 21 days to work towards goals to get them back home.
Costs, Insurance and Referrals
Stroke rehabilitation is generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance, when ordered by a physician. If you have questions about coverage, your insurance carrier or your employer's benefits department is the best source of information.
Other payment arrangements also can be made. For more information, contact our billing and insurance department.
Ask your doctor about stroke rehabilitation as soon as discharge discussions begin.
Locations
MyMichigan Health offers stroke rehabilitation in our Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, through home care (visiting nurses), and various Rehabilitation Services locations (see related locations panel).
