A stroke is a life-altering event, not only for the person who experiences it but for their loved ones, as well. While you’ll need acute care to manage the initial event, you’ll also need ongoing care after your hospital stay to regain strength, independence, and confidence.
Fortunately, there are several recovery options available for those who have suffered a stroke, including swing beds. Learn more about treating strokes, what recovery may be like, and how swing beds can be an essential part of the recovery journey.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted to part of the brain. This can happen due to blocked arteries or brain bleeds. Without a steady supply of blood, brain cells begin to die, which can damage the brain and result in the loss of certain abilities.
The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on where the damage to the brain occurs. Some common signs of a stroke include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the face or body
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Trouble moving limbs
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
Time is essential with a stroke. If you suspect you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Early treatment can significantly improve your recovery outcome and minimize damage to your brain.
Your Options for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
When you experience a stroke, the initial care you receive will focus on minimizing the damage to your brain. The recovery journey starts after you receive acute care in the hospital. Post-stroke rehabilitation will help you regain any lost skills or functions and may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, coordination, and balance
- Occupational therapy to relearn daily living activities like dressing, bathing, and eating
- Speech therapy to address communication difficulties
- Cognitive therapy to improve memory, problem-solving, and reasoning skills
The road to recovery can be long and complex, but you’ll have an excellent team to help you along the way. You’ll also have several options about where this recovery can occur, depending on your needs and the level of support you require. Many post-stroke patients cover in:
Skilled Nursing Facilities
These facilities offer 24-hour medical care and intensive therapy services for patients who require a high level of support and supervision.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
These specialized facilities provide intensive therapy programs for shorter periods, focusing on helping patients regain lost skills quickly.
Home Care
Home care services may be an option for patients who can still be relatively independent. Therapists can visit the patient’s home to provide rehabilitation and help them adapt their living environment to their new needs.
Each option has pros and cons, but East Adam Rural Healthcare patients have access to another invaluable recovery option: a swing bed.
What Are Swing Beds?
Swing beds offer a unique advantage for post-stroke rehabilitation. These are designated hospital rooms that can transition from providing traditional acute care to skilled nursing services. This allows patients to receive ongoing medical support and rehabilitation in the same environment without transferring to a different facility.
Often, patients can continue treatment with the same medical team they got to know during their initial hospitalization. Swing beds are particularly valuable for stroke survivors in rural areas where access to skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities might be limited.
One of the other advantages of a swing bed is how easily it can adapt to the changing needs of post-stroke recovery. At first, you may need a higher level of support. Later, you will become more independent as you recover your strength and skills. The swing bed will make the transition to independence more seamless.
Medicare often covers swing bed services for a limited period, making them a cost-effective option for many patients.
How EARH Can Help After a Stroke
Recovering after a stroke can be a complicated journey, but it’s not one you have to take alone. East Adams Rural Healthcare will be with you every step of the way. Our swing bed facility can be an excellent option for post-stroke recovery, giving you a familiar, comfortable environment with access to essential rehabilitation services.
We understand the importance of personalized post-stroke care. Let our medical team work with you and your loved ones to assess your needs and explore the best post-stroke care options, including our swing beds. Whatever recovery option is right for you, we’ll help you smoothly transition from acute care to rehabilitation and renewed independence.
Contact the EARH team today to learn how we can support your recovery journey after a stroke.
