Stroke Rehabilitation Program Description

The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital’s Stroke Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to providing the most effective, patient-centered, state of the art rehabilitative care to individuals who have sustained a stroke. The Stroke Program provides comprehensive services that prevent secondary complications, minimize impairment, reduce activity limitations, and maximize the participation and quality of life for persons who have sustained a stroke. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation, provided by a trained and experienced team, maximizes recovery from the physical, visual, cognitive and psychological impairments caused by stroke. The multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with the individual and the family and/or caregiver, providing patient centered care and using evidence-based practices, to help every patient achieve his/her full potential.

Scope of Services  
The Stroke Rehabilitation Program provides comprehensive services and medical management, anchored by interdisciplinary professionals who involve patients and families in all phases of rehabilitative care. These stroke specialists assess each person’s abilities and help each patient develop realistic short- and long-term goals, applying the latest research and technology methods. The program provides ongoing access to information about available services and resources that improve the quality of life of the patient.

The rehabilitation team consists of the patient, his or her family and/or caregivers, and medical, nursing and other rehabilitation personnel who, by virtue of their education and experience, are trained to work with individuals who have sustained a stroke. The medical and rehabilitation professionals on the team are responsible for assessing the individual’s medical, behavioral and rehabilitation needs, establishing individualized goals in consultation with the individual and/or family/caregiver, designing and implementing a treatment program, assessing its outcome, communicating with the team and preparing the individual and family for the next phase in the rehabilitation process.  

Burke’s rehabilitative program:

• Maximizes recovery from the physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments caused by stroke.
• Focuses on the individual’s capabilities and use of compensatory strategies and devices to lessen activity limitations.
• Removes or lessens restrictions to participation in life roles and situations to the extent possible, and counsels and educates individuals and families on alternative possibilities for life participation when necessary.
• Prepares the individual and family/caregiver to make the transition to the next stage of the rehabilitative process.
• Provides interdisciplinary rehabilitation that emphasizes communication, collaboration and cooperation

Burke’s intensive and comprehensive program focuses on maximizing each person’s ability to function, through personalized care and individually-designed therapy programs. Preventing complications, improving self confidence, and optimizing adaptation and education helps patients achieve the highest level of independence possible.

Educational Objectives
Education is provided throughout the rehabilitation process during all treatment sessions, as well as though a weekly, evening, Stroke Education Program. These are multidisciplinary sessions, with a comprehensive learning agenda, that is available for all patients and their families/caregivers within the program. 

Patients’ families and caregivers are encouraged to make arrangements to observe therapies in order to be aware of their loved one’s progress. Often, additionally, the team will initiate not only observation of treatment, but active participation in training, so that families/caregivers are educated regarding safe and effective techniques to assist their loved ones. Providing education and training for the family and/or caregivers is an essential component of the patient’s rehabilitation stay and provides an opportunity to successfully transition the patient to the next phase of rehabilitation.

A good portion of the education focuses on the fact that, for many patients, their conditions are life-changing and lifelong. Coping, resources, and the need for lifelong follow up to deal with changing needs are provided.

Location
Located in White Plains, New York, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital's Stroke Rehabilitation Program attracts patients from Westchester County, New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and Connecticut. Burke also welcomes stroke-recovery patients from across the country and around the world.

Related Blog Posts:

• What is a Stroke?
• Questions and Answers with the caregiver of a Stroke Survivor
• Questions and Answers with a Stroke Survivor
• May is American Stroke Month
• Recognizing Stroke is Key to Survival and Recovery
• Stroke Recovery: What to Expect
• Food for Thought: What to Eat to Help Lower Your Risk of Stroke