Stroke Rehabilitation at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Dewitt

Our Stroke Rehabilitation Program is comprised of an experienced team of professionals who provide specialty care to help individuals regain function from the physical and psychological effects following a stroke. Through intensive therapy, our team is committed to providing the most complete and optimal recovery possible.

The Stroke Rehabilitation Program includes, but is not limited to:

• The prevention, recognition, assessment and treatment of conditions related to stroke and its complications.
• The treatment of conditions and complications such as bowel and bladder dysfunction, anxiety, depression, deconditioning, difficulty swallowing, rapid mood changes, falls, blood pressure problems, pressure ulcers and recurrent stroke

To help patients regain the most function possible after a stroke, our interdisciplinary team implements an individualized treatment plan designed to complement medical interventions and maximize potential.

Inpatient rehabilitation plays an important role in stroke recovery

Genesis Medical Center, Dewitt is dedicated to providing expert stroke recovery and compassionate care close to home.

Early action is critical when a patient suffers a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation should begin as soon as a patient’s medical condition is stable, and doctors have taken preventive measures against further strokes and complications.

Our intensive program provides a personalized treatment plan for each patient and ongoing care with the goal of preparing people to return home independently or with assistance from family members or other care providers.

American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care Standards

MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt participates in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care (PAC) initiative to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives.

Evidence-based rehabilitation and secondary prevention interventions improve recovery after stroke and reduce secondary complications. However, stroke rehabilitation expertise, processes of care, and educational resources vary among sites where Post-Acute Care is delivered. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, developed quality standards based on the Association’s 2016 Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery to address these gaps.

Stroke patients and caregivers can confidently choose MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt to continue their stroke recovery. We are committed to providing services that are supported by American Heart Association science and collaborating on standardizing our stoke rehabilitation program, in alignment with expert guidance and evidence-based research.

Improving quality of life for stroke patients

Our Stroke Rehabilitation Program helps improve your quality of life by:

• Maximizing your independence, health and mobility.
• Helping with the daily activities of living such as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and homemaking.
• Assisting with bowel and bladder management.
• Developing your communication through speaking and writing.
• Helping with swallowing.
• Improving your memory and judgment.
• Improving your balance and coordination.
• Assisting with psychological adjustment.
• Boosting your self-image.

Our Stroke Rehabilitation Program helps improve quality of life by focusing on:

• Maximizing your independence, health and mobility
• Daily activities of living such as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and homemaking
• Bowel and bladder management
• Communication through speaking and writing
• Swallowing
• Improving memory and judgment
• Speech and language
• Treatment delivery and intensity of service are determined as part of the individualized plan of care and will typically include a combination of 30- to 60-minute therapy sessions for two or more hours most days.

The therapy team

The patient, patient’s family, loved ones and caregivers are the most important part of our rehabilitation team. Our team of health professionals will work together with the patient and the patient’s caregivers toward recovery from a stroke.

Our interdisciplinary stroke rehabilitation team includes:

• Physician/nurse practitioners who provide daily oversight.
• Nurses and certified nurse assistants.
• Physical therapists who work on issues with movement, walking, balance and coordination, and assist with using orthotic and adaptive equipment.
• Occupational therapists who help patients regain independence with eating, bathing, dressing, writing and other daily tasks.
• Certified speech therapists who help patients recover speech, language, cognitive and swallowing skills.
• Nutritional counselors.
• Case managers/social workers.

Caregiver support

Since family is an important part of the recovery process, the interdisciplinary team provides stroke education and training to close family members and caregivers.

A social worker, nurse or case manager will help the patient and his or her caregivers arrange for the help and equipment that will be needed at home after treatment. Other activities may include stroke education classes and a stroke support group.