Modern rehabilitation physiotherapy worker with senior patient.

The Benefits of a Life Care Community for Stroke Recovery

Did you know that more than 800,000 strokes happen each year in the United States? Strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide, not to mention a leading cause of long-term disabilities for adults. Older adults are especially vulnerable to strokes, with nearly three-quarters of all strokes occurring in people age 65 or older. If you are an older adult with high blood pressure, you are at even greater risk for stroke and heart attack.

No one ever plans on having a stroke, but that doesn’t stop strokes from happening. It pays to be prepared, and that means knowing the common signs of a stroke and what the recovery process entails. And if you’re a resident of our Life Care community at Abbey Delray in Palm Beach County, you need to know what our health services can do for you in the event of a stroke.

Know the common warning signs of a stroke

Strokes are a medical emergency that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. Common warning signs can be weakness in the face, arm or leg, speech difficulty, face drooping, impaired or lost vision, lack of coordination, trouble walking or a sudden severe headache. It can be as simple as a lopsided smile or  speech that is difficult to understand.

If a person shows any of these symptoms, it is critical that you call 911 or emergency medical services and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Obtaining medical treatment sooner rather than later can make a difference in how much lasting damage is caused by the stroke.

Understanding the stroke recovery process

The road to recovery from a stroke can be a difficult path. The usual recovery period is five to six weeks, but it ultimately depends on the severity of the stroke and other health factors.

Physical therapy is used to treat disabilities related to motor and sensory impairment. To restore the physical functions of a person recovering from a stroke requires rehabilitation that is focused on balance and coordination and range of motion. Everyday tasks like standing and walking can require a great deal of rehab.

In-Patient Rehabilitation for Palm Beach County Seniors

Abbey Delray’s in-patient stroke rehab and recovery is open to non-residents who have been discharged from the hospital. The health center is home to an in-patient rehabilitation unit, in addition to offering skilled nursing services for patients who require a more attentive level of care. Short-term rehabilitation at Abbey Delray is a blend of physical, occupational and speech therapies designed to promote restoration and recovery. Patients granted short-stay admission also have access to a variety of community services and amenities.

Rehabilitation for Abbey Delray Independent Living Residents

Residents of the independent living community at Abbey Delray are in good hands in the event of a stroke. Life Care promises a continuum of care and lives up to that promise with an array of additional health services, including rehabilitation and skilled nursing — all on the same campus. The resident is hospitalized for treatment in the immediate aftermath of their stroke before being allowed to return to the community once they have been discharged for recovery.

For independent living residents, rehab appointments are close to your residence, and your support system of friends and caregivers are always around you to provide love and encouragement.

Benefits of community health services at Abbey Delray

Our team of healthcare professionals is your team of healthcare professionals. Not only are our nurses trained on how to perform proper assessments, including detection of signs and symptoms of strokes, but each of our team members is also required to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the best practices for working with residents who have suffered a stroke.

Compassion and convenience go hand-in-hand at our health center. Not only do residents have physical, occupational and speech therapists all working in tandem to support their recovery, but their treatments and therapies also all take place in one location for their benefit. The road to recovery runs through the health center at Abbey Delray, where you have everything you need.

To learn more about Abbey Delray’s community or the services offered at our health center, please fill out the form below or call us at 561-454-2000.