Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery begins as people get better from the immediate effects of a stroke. Over months and even years, other areas of the brain might learn to take over from the dead areas.
About a third of people who have had a stroke are left with disabilities. Rehabilitation is the process of overcoming or learning to cope with the damage the stroke has caused. It is about getting back to normal life and achieving the best level of independence you can, by:
- relearning skills and abilities
- learning new skills
- adapting to some of the limitations caused by a stroke
- finding social, emotional and practical support at home and in the community.
The stroke team
Rehabilitation starts in hospital, with the multidisciplinary team involved in care. The team includes specialist doctors, nurses and therapists. See When a stroke happens for more information on the hospital team.
Links
Brain attack
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Swallowing
Vision
Using the toilet
Psychological changes
Helping rehabilitation
Support at home
Rehabilitation in the community
