December 21, 2023 – Stroke patients need to receive a continuum of care after being discharged from the rehabilitation center
This is the outcome of a meeting held at Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute regarding the role of caregivers and their need for support. The conference, organized by the associations A.L.I.Ce Lombardia Odv and A.L.I.Ce Como Odv, was attended by many professionals from our institute, including Dr. Silvia Aggujaro, a neuropsychologist, who shares with us a quick recap of the discussion.
- Unlike many years ago, when stroke patients had a low life expectancy, today they can live for 25 or even 30 years after experiencing a stroke. This means that we need to implement a rehabilitation program in the long term.
- The return home is a very delicate phase, that can be lengthy and highly dynamic. There are several psychological, emotional, and behavioral components, both positive and negative, involving both the patient and the caregiver.
- The return home involves many modifications to the environment, both structural and conceptual, due to the patient’s disability. For instance, a bathroom often needs to be expanded. The living room might become a bedroom if the sleeping area is located upstairs, thereby adding even more stress on the family.
- Caregiver struggles with a sense of uncertainty, as the continuum of care is not always guaranteed. Many questions cross their minds, such as, “Will I be able to make it?” or “Are there people I can ask for assistance?”.
