Sunday, January 7, 2018

Rehab Questions To Ask

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Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp

a division of United Stroke Alliance

www.unitedstrokealliance.org


Last week I promised to provide you with a list of questions to ask your health care providers about rehab for stroke survivors, so today I'm making good on that request. Rehab is a huge benefit to survivors and a proven "must do". This list is rather large. And that should tell you how important it is to get the right place and the right care. I hope this helps you.

The following was first posted on the American Stroke Association's StrokeConnection website: 
http://strokeconnection.strokeassociation.org
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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER 

THE PATIENT AND FAMILY BOTH NEED TO CHOOSE THE FACILITY/PROVIDER THAT WILL BEST MEET THEIR NEEDS AND GOALS.

START WITH THESE QUESTIONS:

What types of rehab care will my insurance cover?
Do you have a stroke rehab program? If so, how many patients are in it?
How do you assure high-quality care?
What do you look for in terms of progress, and how often do you evaluate it?
Where does rehab occur?
What therapy programs are available?
How do you help caregivers?
What is done to help prevent falls?
Do you have a program that addresses balance issues?

QUESTIONS BEFORE DISCHARGE

What is the extent of my loved one’s stroke damage?
What areas of the brain have been affected?
What is the prognosis and expected course for recovery?
What types of services are likely to improve the outcome?
Does this depend on the areas of the brain where the stroke caused damage?
What is my loved one’s ability to engage in various post-acute services?
What is my/my loved one’s medical/health situation and complexity, and what other medical services will be required?

QUESTIONS ABOUT POST-ACUTE SETTING(S)

Is the rehab facility certified to care for people with a stroke?
What is the maximum amount of rehab services my loved one can receive?
How intense will it be?
What medical services are available?
What special clinical training do the nurses, social workers and dieticians have?
How does the setting measure functional recovery, and what outcomes are typical for stroke patients?

PRACTICAL TOOLS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT



AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH STROKEASSOCIATION.ORG:

Support Network: Online community to connect patients and loved ones with others during their journey.

Stroke Connection Magazine: Helpful information and personal perspectives for survivors and family caregivers that’s available quarterly in digital format.

TTES Newsletter: Monthly newsletter provides patients and caregivers information on stroke-related research and resources.

Stroke Family Warmline 1-888-478-7653: Connects stroke survivors and their families with specially trained ASA team members — some of whom are stroke family caregivers — for support, information or just a listening ear.

Stroke Support Group Finder: To find a group near you, enter your ZIP code and a mile radius.

Tips for Daily Living Library: This volunteer-powered library gathers tips and ideas from stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals all over the country. They’ve created adaptive and often innovative ways to get things done.

Life After Stroke on StrokeAssociation.org: The American Stroke Association website has a wealth of information for recovery and helping stroke survivors and those who care about them become independent and have a quality of life.

Let’s Talk About Stroke Patient Information Sheets: Downloadable sheets in a question-and-answer format that are brief and easy to follow and read.

Caregiver Resources: The American Stroke Association has many resources for caregivers, including downloadable guides, checklists and journal pages to help you in the day-to-day efforts to support your loved one’s recovery and your own health.

• Stroke Discharge Checklist
• Caregiver Guide to Stroke
• Daily Home Care Guide
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And of course don't forget about us:
United Stroke Alliance: www.unitedstrokealliance.org
Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp: www.strokecamp.org
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