What to Expect with Homecare Services After a Stroke

Recovering from a stroke is an individual journey, and receiving homecare services can be a vital component in this process. From nursing support to specialized therapies, here's what to expect when embarking on the road to recovery at home.

1. Nursing Care:

Homecare nursing after a stroke is centered around holistic care or the survivor and often education for the caregivers. Expect a skilled nurse to monitor vital signs, administer medications, and provide wound care if necessary. Beyond the clinical aspects, these professionals offer an educational presence, helping individuals and their families navigate the emotional and physical challenges of post-stroke recovery and adapt to their new norm….for now!

2. Speech Therapy:

Speech therapy at home plays a pivotal role in helping stroke survivors regain communication, feeding/swallowing and cognitive skills. Therapists work on improving speech articulation, language comprehension, developing skills for feeding and swallowing and cognitive-communication abilities. Home-based sessions create a comfortable space for personalized interventions, fostering a supportive environment crucial for linguistic recovery.

3. Physical Therapy:

The journey from hospital to home to regain physical strength and mobility continues with home-based physical therapy. Make sure to let the home care physical therapist know the exercises and activities that were being performed at the hospital. The home care therapist will perform their own assessments catered to specifics of the home, but continue to inquire about community related challenges like walking outside along the pavement or grass, or getting in and out of a car which might be overlooked. Along with the therapist, they can create a guideline of exercises that can be performed at home to ensure ongoing intensity of care/exercises.   

4. Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapy after a stroke at home is geared towards enhancing independence in daily activities. Therapists perform a home evaluation which includes an assessment to ensure safety, provide recommendations and collaborate with individuals to adapt their living spaces and develop strategies to navigate daily challenges. This personalized approach empowers stroke survivors and their care partners to regain control over routine tasks, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.

5. Nursing Aide: Assistance with Daily Living

Nursing aides play a crucial role in supporting individuals with daily living activities. This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, and other personal care tasks. Their presence ensures that individuals feel secure and receive the necessary support for a smooth transition through the recovery process.

Things to Consider:

• Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans only cover a short duration of nursing aides usually 3-4 hours and the remainder is supplemented by the family. 

• Duration of therapy: insurance covered therapy sessions usually last between 30-60 minutes of care. Some individuals may decide to supplement insurance-based homecare with private therapy which is an out of pocket expense. 

• Communication: The transition from the hospital to home can feel overwhelming. It's crucial to follow up with your care partner’s community doctors regarding your hospital stay and discuss post-hospital recommendations. When individuals have an event such as a stroke, it is usually a new event which may require them to see specialists they have never needed to see before such as a cardiologist, neurologist. If you are unsure which type of specialists your care partner may need to see, we recommend asking for recommendations from the hospital before discharge. If you're unable to accompany your care partner outside the home safely, there are alternatives, including physicians making house calls or utilizing specific transportation services like Access-A-Ride, an ambulance, or ambulate service.