Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke survivors who choose an inpatient rehabilitation hospital like Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation have greater improvement, fewer complications and are able to return home sooner than those treated at nursing facilities or other settings.^1,2,3  At Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation , you’ll find a highly individualized, carefully integrated program of stroke care that makes a difference in patients’ outcomes.

“Stroke rehabilitation requires the sustained and coordinated effort of a large inter-professional team,” according to the American Heart/American Stroke Association. “Communication and coordination among team members is paramount in maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation.” ¹ At Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, we draw on the knowledge of an experienced team of stroke rehabilitation specialists to address the range of medical, physical, functional and emotional issues you face.

This interdisciplinary team is led by a physiatrist who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The team includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and recreation therapists; psychologists and neuropsychologists; dietitians; case managers and other clinical and support staff as needed.

Studies show that the sooner you begin a highly coordinated, comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program, the greater gains you are likely to achieve. As a specialized hospital, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation offers the earliest possible start to rehabilitation. We work closely with you, your family and the referring hospital to ensure a smooth transition to our program. Here you will benefit from a minimum of three hours of physical, occupational and/or speech and other therapies a day, five days a week. The skills and strategies you learn will be reinforced by your nursing team and in recreational activities.

Depending on the nature and extent of your stroke, you may be provided with a wheelchair and/or other assistive equipment, including electronic aids to assist with daily tasks. You and your family will also be given the education and training needed to help maintain your overall health and well-being following discharge.

When you’re ready, we’ll coordinate your discharge, help arrange for equipment and provide access to community resources that may be available to you. Our goal, like yours, is for you to move forward with as much independence and confidence as possible.

Treatment is carefully integrated and tailored to your specific needs and goals. Depending on the extent to which you have been impacted by a stroke, we will help:

• Restore physical function and the ability to perform daily activities
• Gain strength and endurance
• Improve balance and mobility
• Overcome speech or communication deficits
• Address swallowing issues or nutritional concerns
• Develop new cognitive, communication and behavioral strategies
• Improve vision deficits
• Deal with emotional, psychological and/or social challenges
• Return to home, work, school or community activities with as much confidence and independence as possible

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation’s highly individualized program will also help to maximize recovery for patients whose needs may be complicated by other existing medical conditions and/or difficulties with alertness, sleep/wake cycles, confusion, debility or age-related factors.

On average, patients at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation have greater improvement during their stay and greater functional abilities upon discharge. This is based on national benchmarks that measure factors such as mobility and the ability to perform daily living activities. In general, this translates to greater independence and a higher quality of life for those who choose us for their rehabilitation.

To help you return home and resume work, school, community and/or social activities, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation provides an unparalleled continuum and continuity of care. We are here to help manage your health from inpatient to outpatient and offer lifelong follow-up. This includes medical, therapy, wheelchair and mobility needs, driving and other specialized services to meet any ongoing or changing needs.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation continues to provide you with advanced care and innovative treatment. That includes a combination of hands-on therapies and proven technologies to help you regain strength, restore skills and mobility and rebuild your life.

Some stroke survivors may need to use a wheelchair and it’s important that you are fitted properly. Our physical and/or occupational therapists, who are also certified assistive technology professionals and/or seating and mobility specialists, will evaluate your physical and lifestyle needs and use pressure mapping and other tools to find the option best for you.

To help reinforce your skills and restore your spirit, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation’s specially trained Canine Companions may be part of your therapy program. A number of our therapists work with these remarkable dogs to engage patients in a wide range of activities that support the rehabilitation process.

*Not available at all locations

A stroke may interfere with the way a person thinks, behaves and functions. You may have difficulties with memory, concentration, communication, speech, swallowing and/or vision. You may also have problems walking or performing basic tasks. Cognitive rehabilitation will provide you with the skills and strategies to overcome these challenges.

The ability to drive allows stroke survivors to resume a more independent lifestyle. Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation’s certified driver rehabilitation specialists offer evaluation and training to help appropriate individuals drive safely. They will also discuss modifications and/or adaptations needed for your car or van. In additional, they will provide guidance on updating your license and taking the required road test. Learn more about the Adaptive Driving Program.

Preparing you and your family for life ahead is one of our primary goals. We provide extensive education to help you understand the challenges and opportunities of life following a stroke.  We also equip you with the strategies, resources and training to help overcome challenges. In addition, we offer a number of patient and family support groups where you can discuss common concerns, share information and gain greater insight and encouragement.

The ability to perform daily activities at home, work, school or in the community is critical to your independence. Your therapy team may introduce a variety of electronic aids and other assistive technologies, such as advanced environmental controls, voice-activated systems, wireless headsets and other adaptive equipment that can help you manage these everyday tasks.

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation’s board certified orthotists are available onsite to provide patients with braces and other devices to support and improve their mobility or use their affected arm(s) and hand(s).  As prescribed or recommended by the treatment team, these devices are carefully fitted and patients are trained on their use and maintenance.