Young Adult Stroke Rehabilitation Program
Approximately 28% of people experiencing stroke are under the age of 65. These patients often have rehabilitation needs that are different from those of older stroke survivors. Young adults may have goals related to parenting, working, driving, maintaining intimate relations and community involvement, in addition to goals for independence in mobility and self-care. The RHCI Team focuses on identifying these goals and providing an intensive treatment program to address the patient’s individual needs. In addition to the regularly scheduled multi-disciplinary therapies, these patients may also participate in both therapeutic and educational group sessions throughout their day.
Objectives of the RHCI Young Adult Stroke Rehabilitation Program:
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Maximize level of functional independence for mobility and self-care
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Maximize ability to return to homemaking
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Reintegrate the stroke survivor and family into the community
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Provide resources for returning to work
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Provide resources for returning to driving
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Provide psycho-social support and adjustment counseling
Program Components
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Outcome-oriented individualized and group treatment plans for stroke survivors and their families
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Physicians on site 24-hours a day, seven days a week
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On-site physicians specializing in neurology and rehabilitation medicine with additional expertise in the behavioral effects of stroke
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Highly skilled nursing staff, including registered nurses with acute care experience and nurses on each shift who are Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRN).
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An Advanced Cardiac Life Support-certified nurse on every shift
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Case management to coordinate the stroke survivor’s and family’s treatment plan, communicate with insurers and arrange needed services.
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Coordinated, intensive physical, occupational and speech therapies to promote maximum functional improvement
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Aquatic therapy
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Respiratory rehabilitation, including tracheostomy care and weaning.
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Telemetry, alternative feeding systems, and other clinical services
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Access to advanced rehabilitation technologies, including:
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NESS H200 neuroprosthesis for improvement of hand function
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NESS L300 neuroprosthesis for improvement of foot drop
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Vital Stim for improvement of swallowing
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LiteGait body weight support system for gait training
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Comprehensive educational programs for patient and family
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Resources to assist with emotional adjustment to stroke
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Innovative therapeutic recreation programs, including adapted golf program, gardening, fishing.
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Community re-entry training
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Patient-centered discharge planning, including follow-up outpatient care and links to community resources.
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Ongoing support for patient, family and caregivers through Stroke Survivors’ Support Group, Aphasia Community Group, and Stroke Peer Visitation Program
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Peer mentoring by young stroke survivors
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Nutrition education and counseling following AHA guidelines
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Fall prevention program
Additional Resources
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Pre-driving evaluations (roadSMART Driver Assessment Program )
For information about inpatient programs and services, contact Admissions at (508) 833-4200.
