Stroke Rehabilitation

Main Number: 706-724-7746, 800-4WALTON        
Inpatient Referrals: 706-826-5808

Did you know that stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the United States and more than 750,000 Americans sustain a stroke each year? As the area's only stroke rehabilitation accredited facility (from The Joint Commission), we're doing everything we can to roll back those numbers and show our patients that there is hope after stroke.

After sustaining a stroke, life can be very challenging for both the survivor and those close to him or her. At Walton, we understand this anxiety and encourage full involvement in the rehabilitation process. Walton's continuum of care offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of the patient.

Treatment

Inpatient: Walton's inpatient rehabilitation program provides care for individuals who require 24-hour nursing care and intensive rehabilitation. Once you have been discharged from an acute care hospital and admitted to Walton, you will work with a physician-led team to develop and implement an individualized treatment plan that may focus on areas such as walking, self-care (bathing, dressing, eating), coordination and balance, language and swallowing, behavior and memory.


Rehab Ready Recovery Rooms: Our stroke inpatient unit features rehab-ready rooms that allow patients to complete therapy in the comfort of their own rooms.

Outpatient: Our outpatient rehabilitation program provides multi-service or single service therapy depending on the needs of the patient. Physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as wheelchair and equipment clinics, driver evaluations, an augmentative communication program and a stroke support group are offered through our outpatient services. Day treatment offers intensive therapy without the overnight stay.

Pain Center/Physician Services: Follow-up care can be provided to stroke patients through Walton Pain Center/Medical Associates, where specialized rehabilitation physicians can develop treatment plans for pain management and more.

Assisted and Independent Living and Fitness and Leisure also complement the Stroke Care Continuum.

What disabilities can result from a stroke?

 A stroke (or brain attack) occurs when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. The types and degrees of resulting disability depend upon which areas of the brain are damaged. Generally, a stroke can cause five types of disability:

  • Paralysis or problems controlling movement
  • Sensory disturbances including pain
  • Problems using or understanding language
  • Problems with thinking and memory
  • Emotional disturbances

Why should you seek rehabilitation for optimum stroke recovery?

Even though rehabilitation does not "cure" stroke in that it does not reverse brain damage, it can substantially help people achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Rehabilitation helps stroke survivors relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. Specialists also teach survivors new ways of performing tasks to help them compensate for any residual disabilities. Early intervention produces the best outcomes.

Other Resources

National Stroke Association, www.stroke.org