Stroke rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. With the right combination of skilled nursing and therapy services, patients can work on strength, mobility, communication, swallowing, and daily living tasks that support a safer return to everyday routines.

Home Health services may support stroke recovery through:

• Physical therapy evaluation and treatment to improve strength, balance, and walking
• Occupational therapy to rebuild daily living skills such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation
• Home equipment assessment to identify tools that support safer mobility and independence
• Medication management and education to support safe use of prescribed treatments
• Speech therapy support for swallowing concerns and communication challenges such as dysphagia or aphasia
• Skin integrity support and pressure injury prevention
• Vital sign monitoring and ongoing skilled nursing assessment
• Home safety assessments to help reduce fall risks and support a safer recovery environment
• Skilled nursing care for catheter support and other physician-ordered clinical needs

May is Stroke Awareness Month, making it a good time to learn the warning signs of stroke and share them with family, friends, and caregivers.

According to the American Stroke Association and the CDC, quick recognition and emergency treatment can improve outcomes, and many strokes may be preventable by addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and heart disease.

B.E. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to recognize possible stroke symptoms:

• Balance – Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination
• Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Face – Ask the person to smile and look for one side of the face that droops
• Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts downward
• Speech – Listen for slurred speech or difficulty repeating a simple phrase
• Time – Call 911 right away if you notice any of these symptoms, even if they go away

Home health care can play an important role in helping stroke survivors recover safely at home. At Volunteer Home Care, our team works with physicians to create personalized care plans that support rehabilitation, safety, and independence. If you would like to learn more, contact your nearest office or visit our services page for more information.