Stroke recovery: Rehabilitation options

Some stroke patients do not need ongoing rehabilitation. However, if you need ongoing rehabilitation, you have four options.

The type of rehabilitation you receive depends on your ability to take part in therapy, your medical and nursing needs and your caregiver.

Hospital rehabilitation programs

These are for patients who need doctor and nurse care every day. These programs are done in special rehabitation hospitals or in acute care hospitals. Patients stay in the hospital where they undergo therapy. Patients must be in therapy for at least three hours each day.

Nursing home or skilled nursing facility

Patients stay in the nursing home for 24-hour care. Nursing homes offer different programs. Some offer full rehabilitation while others offer limited services.

Outpatient programs

These are for patients who live at home. They go to the hospital for care during the day.

Home care

These programs let patients receive services in their own homes.