Your brain controls so much of what you do, how you act, and who you are. Every thought you have and every movement you make originates in your brain cells. That’s why strokes can be so devastating: when blood flow is cut off to a section of your brain, the affected brain cells die, and the thoughts, actions, and movements controlled by those brain cells are lost.

However, it’s possible to rebuild your strength, relearn your skills, and regain your independence after a stroke with the help of a reputable stroke rehabilitation program. Choosing an inpatient stroke rehab facility can be overwhelming, but to ensure a thorough recovery, it’s crucial to spend some time researching programs to find the one that’s right for you.

What is a stroke rehabilitation program?

The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help patients get back to living full, self-sufficient lives. This requires a team of health experts coordinating care across a range of disciplines, with doctors and therapists communicating frequently to ensure the best possible treatment plan. Through directed, repetitive practice, as well as the use of assistive devices and modified routines, patients gradually achieve independence, all under careful medical supervision.

Factors to consider when choosing a stroke rehab facility

Stroke rehabilitation is an ongoing process that’s different for every patient. Depending on the type and severity of stroke you’ve experienced, a rehab program could last as little as two weeks, or it could involve working with specialists for months, or even years. It’s important to keep your specific circumstances and condition in mind when choosing a stroke rehab facility.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when making your choice:

• Available services

Most stroke rehabilitation facilities will offer a wide array of therapeutic services, and daily therapy sessions will be included with any program. At a minimum, the facility should offer onsite stroke rehabilitation exercises through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Mental health and social services are also important aspects of recovery, as well as skilled nursing care and round-the-clock medical supervision. Before choosing a rehab facility, check to make sure they provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.

• Staff members

An effective stroke rehabilitation team consists of experienced and highly skilled staff members, such as:

• Doctors, including physiatrists and neurologists

• Nurses

• Physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Speech language pathologists

• Psychiatrists

• Dieticians

Generally, facilities will also have a case manager for each patient, to coordinate their services and help them plan for aftercare.

• Certification

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains a rating system for skilled nursing facilities and stroke rehabilitation centers. The rating is determined by health inspection reports, staffing ratios, and other quality measures regarding how well the facility meets patients’ needs. When researching stroke rehab facilities, check their CMS ratings; a five-star nursing facility is considered to be extremely high quality.

• Payment options

The expenses associated with stroke rehabilitation can add up quickly. Not all services will be covered by all insurance plans, and treatments are often limited by time constraints. Medicare, for example, will usually only cover up to 90 days in an inpatient stroke rehab facility. Investigate insurance options and payment plans for all prospective facilities to make sure you can afford the associated costs.

Bella Vista Health Center offers stroke rehab in San Diego

The period following a stroke is a critical time, and getting the right rehabilitative care is crucial to long-term health and independence. If you’re looking for high-quality stroke rehab in San Diego, Bella Vista Health Center is a 5-star skilled nursing facility with a dedicated stroke rehabilitation program. Our caring and competent doctors, nurses, and therapists work together to help each patient achieve their goals of getting healthy and achieving independence.

Call us at (619) 644-1000 for more information about our program.