- Locations & Contact
- For Healthcare Professionals
- News
- Newsletter Signup
- Sheltering Arms Blog

Stroke

A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the flow of fresh, oxygen-filled blood from the heart and lungs to the brain is interrupted either by a blockage or rupture. This starves the brain of its energy source, causing nerve cells to die, which then results in a loss of function in the areas controlled by the affected part of the brain.

Strokes and their effects can be frightening, but Sheltering Arms provides an environment of knowledge and caring. It helps to remember that stroke survivors usually have at least some spontaneous recovery or natural healing and often recover further with rehabilitation.

Because stroke survivors often have complex rehabilitation needs, progress and recovery are different for each individual. At Sheltering Arms, we offer a broad range of services to help stroke survivors and their family members.

Physical therapists help individuals regain muscle strength and flexibility, while occupational therapists work with patients on essential activities, such as grooming, bathing and dressing. Speech-language pathologists evaluate the patients’ abilities to express themselves and understand others, and address swallowing issues when necessary.

Medical psychologists often play an essential role in the rehabilitation process following a stroke, carefully evaluating changes that might have occurred with regard to mental abilities, and assisting with emotional adjustment to the effects of the stroke. Physiatrists, nurses and case managers oversee the rehabilitation process, ensuring coordinated care and making recommendations for next steps following inpatient rehabilitation.

Sheltering Arms also offers a Stroke Support Group for both survivors and their caregivers, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

For more information on stroke, visit http://www.stroke.org/.