Discharge & Rehabilitation
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What should I expect at discharge?
Fatigue is a common problem after stroke but generally resolves after a few months. The stroke survivor may have less energy due to difficulty sleeping, lack of exercise, poor nutrition or the side effects of medications. On the other hand, the stroke survivor may have the same amount of energy, but he/she may be using it differently. Some activities of daily living may take more effort. For instance, coping with frustration, anxiety, anger or sadness can cause fatigue.
The rehabilitation process for inpatient and outpatient primarily focuses on improving independence. Some key activities include:
- Activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing.
- Mobility skills such as transferring, walking or self-propelling a wheelchair
- Communication skills in speech and language
- Cognitive skills such as memory or problem solving
- Socialization skills in interacting with other people
- Psychological functioning to improve coping skills and treatment to overcome depression, if needed.
Most stroke survivors are able to return home and resume many of the activities they were involved in before the stroke occurred.
*Data collated from discharge education packets at Saint Louis University Hospital with data provided by the:
American Stroke Association - A Division of American Heart Association