Occupational therapy for stroke recovery helps survivors regain independence by relearning everyday activities such as dressing, bathing and eating and by returning to meaningful roles at home and work. Through personalized treatment plans and compassionate care, occupational therapists support stroke survivors in rebuilding skills, confidence and quality of life during inpatient rehabilitation.
Tim was admitted to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Cincinnati after experiencing a stroke. He had right-sided weakness in his arm and leg, and his speech was slurred. Tim was eager to start his rehabilitation and regain his independence.
During his occupational therapy evaluation, Tim shared that his goal was to return home to his family and children. As his occupational therapist learned more about his daily life, Tim explained he wanted to dress himself, use the toilet without assistance, feed himself and return to his work as a chef. His occupational therapy began the day after his arrival at Encompass Health.
How does a stroke impact an individual?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot or when a blood vessel bursts. When the brain does not get enough oxygen, brain cells are damaged or die, and the body may not work as it did before the stroke.
After a stroke, an individual may experience changes in physical abilities, thinking and memory, communication and emotions. Because stroke recovery can be complex, the American Stroke Association recommends treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, such as Encompass Health, for the best outcomes. Encompass Health inpatient rehabilitation hospitals use a multidisciplinary team approach to address the many challenges of stroke rehabilitation.
Stroke risk factors that can often be managed include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diet
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Carotid artery disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sickle cell disease
Stroke risk factors that cannot be controlled:
- Age
- Family history
- Race
- Gender
- Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack
The acronym BE FAST was created to help identify when a stroke is occurring and what to do.
- B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance
- E — Eyes: Blurred or double vision
- F — Face: One side of the face drooping
- A — Arm: Weakness or difficulty moving an arm or leg
- S — Speech: Slurred or hard-to-understand speech
- T — Time: Call 911 immediately if any symptoms occur
How can occupational therapy for stroke help in recovery?
Occupational therapists help address barriers to everyday tasks that may follow a stroke. This includes improving independence with basic self-care tasks such as eating, grooming, toileting, dressing and bathing. Occupational therapy also supports higher-level activities like cleaning, cooking, medication management and handling finances.
Occupational therapists use remediation and adaptive techniques to help individuals complete tasks more safely and independently. Treatment plans are personalized and may include one-on-one therapy, group interventions and innovative rehabilitation technology. Home modification evaluation and strategies, cognitive coping strategies and community reintegration training are also key components of occupational therapy for stroke recovery.
Recovery looks different for everyone, but with the right support, meaningful progress is possible.
A multidisciplinary approach to stroke rehabilitation
Occupational therapists are part of a multidisciplinary team focused on helping patients return to their highest level of function. The team may also include:
- Physicians specializing in rehabilitation*
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Rehabilitation nurses
- Dietitians
- Pharmacists
- Case managers
Each team member plays an important role in supporting recovery and helping patients transition back to independent living.
*We provide access to independent physicians.
Tim's story continued
During his 14-day stay at Encompass Health, Tim worked closely with occupational, physical and speech therapists. His occupational therapist created an individualized therapy program focused on improving the use of his right arm during daily living tasks.
Through traditional rehabilitation and innovative rehabilitation technology, including the Bioness H200 and the Saebo Rejoyce, Tim made steady progress. He met his goals of walking to the bathroom, showering independently, dressing himself and returning to cooking. Tim was thankful that his occupational therapist took the time to understand his personal goals, helping him return to the life he loved before his stroke.
*Name of individual changed