Stroke is an interruption of the blood flow to the brain. It is often a serious, disabling disease. Approximately one-half million Americans suffer a stroke every year. About 40 percent of the survivors will need rehabilitation.

At Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center (SRRC), we have been providing stroke rehabilitation since 1976. Professionals with various specialties team with the patient and family to maximize recovery. Common goals are to increase the patient’s ability to move about, talk, care for himself and carry on daily activities.

The staff introduces special techniques and devices to help the patient and family adapt if complete recovery is not possible. The quality of life can often be much the same as before the stroke.

The Stroke Program serves individuals who have suffered a cerebral vascular accident and have problems with self-care skills, home living skills, mobility, speech, thinking skills, memory, leisure skills, sexual functioning, adjustment to injury and locating community resources.

The Stroke Team

Stroke patients are the most important members of the rehabilitation team. Their involvement, cooperation and motivation are necessary for progress.

Family members are also essential to the rehabilitation process. Emotional support from the family is important to encourage the patient. The family is educated in ways to help the patient continue progress when not in therapy.

Physiatrists are board-certified physicians specializing in Rehabilitation Medicine. They prescribe and supervise patient therapy and medical care.

Physician Assistants aid the doctors in providing and prescribing medical care. They also conduct physical exams.

Rehabilitation Nurses provide patients and family with education on all aspects of patient care. They emphasize information about causes of stroke and use of medications. Nurses also help patients regain control of bodily functions. They encourage them to be as independent as possible.

Physical Therapists work with patients and family members to improve the patient’s strength, endurance, posture and balance. They teach patients ways to get in and out of their wheelchairs, move about and, eventually, to stand and walk.

Occupational Therapists help patients relearn day-to-day skills such as dressing, eating and grooming. If an arm remains weak, they teach the patient how to use special equipment for one-handed success.

Speech-Language Therapists help patients regain their ability to speak and understand what others are saying. If the patient has problems swallowing or eating, they provide ways for him or her to eat and drink safely.

Psychologists help patients and families deal with feelings related to the stroke. They explain thinking and memory problems that may occur and teach ways to overcome these difficulties.

Recreational Therapists provide patients with a wide range of activities, such as sports, crafts and hobbies. They suggest equipment that enables patients to pursue former interests despite their disabilities.

Program Managers help patients and families with planning for after discharge. This may include information about discharge options, referrals to community agencies, and finances.

The Dietitian recommends diets for patients based on the patient’s weight, medical condition and usual diet. The dietitian also teaches the patient and family what foods the patient should eat.

Other Team Members

The Audiologist tests the patient’s hearing. If needed, the audiologist will provide hearing amplification systems and recommend ways to help the hearing-impaired patient better understand what is being said.

The Vocational Evaluator helps answer the question, "Can I go back to my job?" Some patients are not able to perform their former jobs. These patients can learn about the kinds of work they would enjoy and do well.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works for the state. He helps with job placement, equipment and education.

The Chemical Dependency Counselor meets with those people who have drug and alcohol abuse problems. These patients must be willing to work on issues surrounding their problems.

Group Programs

Specialized group programs are available to stroke patients.

Stroke Patients’ Group is a weekly support group. It gives patients the opportunity to discuss difficult issues relating to their strokes. Patients are also able to give and receive encouragement on their progress at SRRC.

Patient Education Classes meet twice weekly for four weeks. Nurses teach patients about the nature of a stroke, medications, skin care, diet, sexuality, toileting, stress and other topics of interest. Families are welcome to attend.

Problem Solving Group deals with improving thinking skills. Patients practice taking on everyday mental challenges.

Mobility Group meets weekly to practice wheelchair skills or improve walking in different settings. Other goals include helping patients find their own way around and building strength to become more independent.

CVA Class allows patients with limited arm movement to practice therapeutic exercises. The class also covers positioning of the arms and home safety. It provides the opportunity for patients to practice and learn their arm-care programs before discharge.

Recovery

The stroke patient’s stay at SRRC is an important step in recovery from stroke. Upon discharge, therapists at SRRC provide home exercise programs and refer patients to outpatient therapy or home health programs. They will also recommend equipment that may be needed at home. Many patients continue to improve long after leaving SRRC.

If you would like more information about our Stroke Program, please call (910) 609-6091 or toll free in North Carolina at 800-682-7005.