What is outpatient therapy and what does it entail?

Outpatient therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals after a stroke. This can be a continuation of care from the hospital or a referral from your care partner's  doctor recommending outpatient therapy services.

When this is recommended as a continuation of care after the hospital or inpatient rehabilitation, the goals are to continue to work on your care partner's function, maximize independence, and improve their quality of life. Therapies recommended may be physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. In some circumstances, a follow up with the neuro-psychologist on an outpatient basis will be recommended as well. This addresses emotional and psychological challenges associated with stroke, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists will help individuals manage their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their overall well-being.

Frequency and Duration: The frequency and duration of outpatient therapy vary depending on the individual's needs and progress. Typically, sessions last for 45 minutes to an hour and occur several times a week. The overall duration of therapy can range from several weeks to months or even years, but this is based on your care partner’s Medicare and insurance plans. 

Things to Consider:

• Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans cover outpatient therapy, but it's important to check your care partner’s specific plan for details.

• Transportation: Make sure your care partner has reliable transportation to and from therapy sessions.

• Communication: Communicate regularly with your care partner’s therapists and healthcare providers to track their progress and address any concerns. This is especially important if you continue to notice your carepartner has a hard time navigating certain obstacles at home and/or outside in the community (like curbs and ramps etc.)