Post-Acute Stroke Care

The goal of post-acute stroke care is to help you achieve your best possible recovery and regain independence. Depending on your specific needs, this care can include therapy that focuses on the physical, cognitive and emotional challenges that can result from a stroke.

Physical challenges

Physical challenges are one of the hallmarks of stroke. Physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy include activities that help:

• Build muscle strength
• Improve balance and coordination
• Regain range of motion
• Restore fine and gross motor skills
• Assist with and swallowing and speech difficulties
• Relearn self-care skills (eating, dressing, bathing), work-related skills or hobbies

Cognitive challenges

Cognitive challenges are also common after a stroke. Therapy can help you develop new strategies for memory loss, speaking, listening and writing skills, language comprehension and staying focused.

Emotional challenges

Recovering from a stroke is hard work, and depending on how severe your stroke was, it could take a while to get back to where you were. It’s also possible that some skills may be slow to return or may not return.

It’s not unusual to feel frustrated, sad, anxious, depressed or irritable. You might have trouble sleeping or lack energy. Our neuropsychologists and mental health experts can help you face these challenges and develop ways to cope with your feelings.

The time you spend in hospital for post-acute stroke care varies with each person. It depends on the type of stroke, how severe it was, if you have any other health complications and the type of treatment you need.

Before your discharge, your team will work with you to plan your continued recovery. Some people need long-term rehab for months, weeks or even years to fully recover and prevent any complications.

 It’s also important to know that sometimes, even with rehabilitation, you may need to manage ongoing impairments resulting from the stroke. The focus of rehab will shift to finding new ways to navigate life with these changes and may involve using special equipment or adapting in new ways. That’s why it’s crucial to keep following up with members of your care team. They will continue to support you for as long as you need them.

Preventing Another Stroke

Every person who’s had a stroke has their own reasons or risk factors that may have led to it. Understanding what caused your stroke is an important step in helping to prevent it from happening again.

There are certain things — like habits or health conditions — that can make you more likely to have a stroke. Some of these things can’t be changed, but many of them can be managed with the right support. Your consultant might recommend:

• Adopting a heart-healthy eating plan
• Getting regular physical activity
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Taking medications to lower cholesterol or control blood pressure.

With healthy lifestyle choices and proper care from your consultants, you can lower your chances of having another stroke. It’s all about taking things one step at a time and knowing that you aren’t alone on this journey.

Paying for Post-Acute Stroke Care at Cleveland Clinic London

At Cleveland Clinic London, we offer two convenient ways to pay for care. You may opt to self-pay or use private medical insurance. Need help navigating the payment process? Feel free to reach out to our payment specialists.

What’s Next?

Rehabilitation is about rebuilding your life after a stroke, physically and emotionally. The journey is challenging, but you’re not alone. With the right support, progress is possible. At Cleveland Clinic London, we’re committed to walking alongside you, offering expert care, encouragement and personalised treatment every step of the way. Together, we’ll help you move forward with strength, confidence and hope.