Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke in the U. S. Not only is stroke common, but stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and reduces mobility in 50% of patients over 65.
Including OT in the medical response ensures the stroke patient receives holistic, patient-centered care focused on the occupations of life.
Occupational therapy interventions are wide-ranging and support a patient’s return to independence and beloved activities.
- ADL, IADL, Productivity, and Leisure Training: Safety is a key focus along with the use of compensatory strategies and adaptive equipment. Pacing and energy conservation are often a component of the OT treatment plan.
- Functional Mobility: Sit-to-stand, transfers, ambulation and wheelchair mobility are supported by OT.
- Functional Posture and Balance: An OT will focus on stability, trunk control and reach-grasp-hold-release activities.
- Strength and ROM: OT improves both strength and range of motion for the involved and uninvolved side.
- Upper Extremity Function and Care: OT relies on a variety of interventions to restore upper extremity function and OT scope includes the management of spasticity and edema on the involved side as well as shoulder pain prevention or management.
- Perceptual Deficits: Stroke can impact vision and OT has a role in providing therapeutic interventions and compensatory strategies.
- Cognitive Retraining: Stroke’s effect on cognition can be wide ranging. OT’s are trained to assist with changes in alertness, memory, attention and executive function.
- Falls Risk and Prevention: The OT assesses a patient’s falls risk which is particularly impactful in the home health setting with the OT’s first-hand assessment of the patient’s surroundings.
- Community Reintegration: Returning home, to driving, to work, and to social activities can require new approaches and OT will help patients navigate those changes.
- Caregiver Support and Community Resources: Strokes are often sudden and can be life changing not just for the patient but for the person who is unexpectedly a caregiver. OT can include caregivers in strategies and appointments, as well as refer to community resources, especially those supporting wellness and health management.
Occupational therapy should be offered to every stroke patient as they navigate the physical, sensory and cognitive impacts of this life-changing heath event.
