A strong rehabilitation program is vital to a successful stroke recovery, and the sooner rehab begins, the better. But not all stroke rehabilitation programs are the same. One of the most important factors to consider is the facility’s expertise in stroke recovery. What happens in the days, weeks, and months following a stroke will have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life for years to come, so it’s crucial to choose a facility that specializes in stroke rehabilitation. 

Once you’ve determined that the facility has the experience and expertise, as well as a proven track record of positive health outcomes and recovery for stroke survivors, there are a few other main factors to consider. We like to think of them as the four C’s. 

Choosing a Stroke Rehab Program: The Four C’s

Every patient’s stroke recovery is different, but if you’re looking for the best care possible for a loved one, be sure to consider the Four Cs for any stroke rehab facility on your list. 

Certification rating

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created a Five Star Quality Rating System for skilled nursing facilities and stroke rehabilitation centers. If you’re looking for a facility that offers the best care and highest quality services, start by looking at the rating. A five-star rating means the facility consistently exceeds quality requirements as determined by health inspections, maintains proper staffing levels according to the needs of patients, and meets patients’ physical and clinical needs. When researching stroke rehab facilities, check their CMS ratings; a five-star nursing facility is considered to be extremely high quality.

Customization

Stroke can affect a range of different functions, depending on the individual and the part of the body affected by the stroke.  Stroke recovery treatment plans must be customized, and the wider the array of therapeutic services the rehab facility offers, the more individualized treatment plans can be.  With the right combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, recreational therapy, nutritional care, and other services, stroke rehabilitation patients can optimize their health and maximize their independence. 

Coordinated care

The needs of stroke survivors are often complex and challenging.  A customized treatment plan has a much greater impact on patient recovery when the various service providers work together to coordinate care. Post-stroke rehabilitation specialists may include physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, nutritional therapists, recreational therapists, and rehab nurses. When looking for a stroke rehabilitation program, it’s important to choose one that emphasizes a team approach to patient care. 

Comfort

Whether your loved one experiences a quick stroke recovery or a lengthier one, their comfort should be among the most important factors when choosing a stroke rehab facility. Stroke rehabilitation requires active patient participation, and when patients feel cared for, their motivation is higher for doing the sometimes strenuous work involved in the rehab process. A top-notch rehabilitation facility will be patient-centered and provide a range of amenities, services, activities, and safety measures that help patients feel supported and nurtured in their recovery. 

Visit Bella Vista Health Center’s 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility 

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we take a patient-centered approach to everything we do. Residents in our stroke rehabilitation program receive a minimum of an hour and a half to two hours of therapy per day, five to six days a week. Our team works together to develop a specialized rehabilitation program focused on the particular areas of need for each individual, helping them to restore as much functioning as possible, regain their independence, and optimize their quality of life. For more information on our stroke rehabilitation programs, please call or visit us in Lemon Grove, San Diego today.