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Occupational Therapy After Stroke

A stroke (sometimes called a “brain attack”) occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. A stroke can be caused by blood clots or when a blood vessel breaks or ruptures in the brain, which deprives the brain of the required oxygen and glucose. The effects of the stroke depend on the extent to which, and the area of the brain that is damaged. Many people may experience weakness or no movement on one half of the body following a stroke. In addition to physical impairments, an individual may also have cognitive impairments.

SYMPTOMS

  • Weakness on one side of the body

  • Impaired sensation on one side of the body

  • Impaired muscle tone on one side of the body

  • Visual difficulties

  • Impaired visual perception

  • Poor balance

  • Difficulties transitioning to various positions

  • Decline in cognitive and emotional functioning

  • Inability to walk

  • Inability to care for themselves

  • Decrease in community participation

  • An individual may experience cognitive changes depending on the type of stroke and the areas affected, the following areas of cognition may become impaired:

    • Problem Solving / Reasoning

    • Memory

    • Attention

    • Executive functioning

    • Orientation

    • Mood

HOW WE CAN HELP

At Get Going Solutions Centre, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive, comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity, as well as the impact on Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”). A detailed report will be completed, along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs.


Intervention can focus on:

  • Finding alternative methods / compensatory strategies to perform activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, using the toilet)

  • Addressing deficits such as weakness, sensory loss, and cognitive or visual impairments that limit engagement in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (“IADLS”) (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)

  • Provide cognitive retraining exercises to address specific cognitive skills, such as attention, memory and executive functioning

  • Assessing the home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment specific to the client's needs

  • Recommending special equipment or assistive devices / technology for use at home, school or work

  • Teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces or wheelchairs

  • Recommending exercises to strengthen fine motor skills, coordination and cognition

  • Teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home

  • Educating the client and caregiver on energy effectiveness strategies and stress management techniques to promote well being

  • Environmental and behavioural modifications (home and job-site)

  • Home modifications may include accessible designs for all rooms in one’s house, ramps, wheelchair lifts or elevators and stair lifts

  • Positioning to maintain range of motion, prevent contractures and minimize pain (e.g. splinting)

"Make Better Choices, Make Life Easier"

If you're living with limited mobility there are a number of mobility aids available which can make it easier for you get around - whether you're inside or outside. From help getting to and from your car, to effective mobility equipment which can aid you climbing the stairs, our range of care and mobility aids can assist you in making daily activities simpler and more enjoyable.

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