How Can Occupational Therapy Help People Recover After A Stroke

It is estimated that 5.4 million people are living with the effects of a stroke, the number one cause for adult disabilities. Those who experience a stroke should follow the path of recovery through Occupational Therapists who specialize in helping these people. Occupational Therapists will make the post rehabilitation effective and fit the needs for that specific individual. They do this by helping build endurance and strength and giving household equipment for daily exercises. Their main goal is to have the person reach their top performance again without the stroke affecting their life. An Occupational Therapist spends more time with a stroke survivor than any other professional out there.

It’s in their best interest to get the recovered patient on their feet again. When patients are ready to return home they must learn the community reintegration services, so that they can again engage in their environment with friends and families. Occupational Therapists can help with this by teaching families of stroke survivors certain techniques and regimens for their loved one. They will also test the stroke survivor to see if they are able to return to normal everyday activities. These include driving, running, bicycling, and anything they may do on their own leisure.

Stroke survivors may also have trouble with speaking after as their words get mixed up. Occupational Therapists help with writing exercises and other ways of communicating and pretty much anything else like bathing, cleaning, cooking and washing the dishes. Finally a stroke can affect the way a person thinks, from how a person concentrates to how they make their decisions. Occupational Therapists use certain devices to get people relearning tasks. Some of these devices include an alarm clock or a medicine container. Overall, Occupational Therapists are uniquely helpful for patients recovering from a stroke so don’t wait and call a therapist today.