How Menno Haven Helps Your Loved One Recover After a Stroke
Stroke risks increase considerably for people over the age of 80. This is a frightening reality for families and individuals at risk. But the good news is that, if you find yourself or your loved one in this situation, you have choices for rehabilitation at Menno Haven.
Wondering what rehab for seniors that have suffered a stroke looks like? Let’s take a closer look at what steps to take and your choices for short-term rehabilitation services. Our caring and dedicated team are here to walk beside you every step of the way.
Stroke Rehab for Seniors
Stroke patients and their families often want to know how long it will take for life to return to normal. This urgency is understandable, but the answer to timing is complex. Even with rehab, no one can say with certainty how long it will take for certain bodily functions to return.
The road to recovery is unique to each individual and must be treated on a case-by-case basis. We do everything we can to facilitate a quick rehab but the timeframe ultimately depends on many factors.
A neurological and physical assessment will determine the severity of the stroke damages and what therapies should be prioritized for an efficient recovery. One of the biggest concerns, when the body suffers a stroke, is a lack of oxygen to the brain. This is why early intervention at the first sign of symptoms is so urgent.
While we strive to help all functions return to normal, there could be some cases where lifestyle and expectation adjustments will be necessary. A positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle will go a long way to help the process of returning to optimum health.
Working on Everyday Skills
Our fine motor skills are what give us our independence and make us feel like we can get through the day on our own. Getting dressed, picking up the newspaper, and feeding ourselves all require fine motor skills that are often impacted during a stroke.
At Menno Haven, we work on the rehabilitation of motor skills in ways that are fun and rewarding. Activities that require grasping items and regaining hand strength help to rebuild important motor skills. We utilize therapies that will help your loved one return to normal life as soon as possible.
Upper Body and Function
To improve the function of hands and arms, there will be both physical therapy and occupational therapy performed. Our Menno Haven team can teach exercises that are basic but will help to rebuild strength and range of motion in the upper body.
These exercises will start very basic and may increase in the duration of time. As strength is regained, exercises may grow more challenging with the addition of light weights or resistance bands.
Taking One Step at a Time
It’s common for seniors to experience difficulty walking after a stroke because the collective trauma of the experience can make the body weaker. Leg muscles are some of the strongest in the body, walking requires motor skills and the cooperation of over 200 muscles to take a single step.
Strengthening of these muscles in conjunction with step-by-step movements of the ankles, feet, knees, and hips will be tied together in sequence with the physical support of friendly therapists, and aids such as walkers or canes will be used.
Consistent Work Makes The Dream Work
Stroke rehab for seniors takes consistent work to regain mental and physical skills damaged. Through encouragement and persistence, we work to retrain the brain and the mind to remember what it was once capable of before the stroke.
Our team at Menno Haven has years of experience working with rehabilitating stroke patients and would be excited to help your loved one get back their strength, skills, and self-confidence. Contact us today to schedule a tour or chat with our team! Healing starts here at Menno Haven.