By Rebecca Weber, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Recovering from a stroke can take time, especially if it affects your speech, language, or ability to swallow. If you or a loved one has had a stroke, this post will give you a quick overview of what to expect in the process of recovery. I will discuss specifically how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help and what to look for through your recovery process.
Everyone’s recovery is different. It depends on things like how serious the stroke was, where it happened in the brain, what kind of help you have at home, and how much therapy you receive.
In the beginning, doctors focus on keeping you stable and taking care of any serious problems. Once you’re stable, the next step is acute care, where SLPs assess your speech, language, thinking skills, and swallowing abilities. The goal here is to start working on getting these skills back and prevent any further loss.
After acute care, some people may go to inpatient rehabilitation. This is for those who need at least three hours of therapy a day, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy. The team works together to help you recover as much as possible. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities offer daily therapy, but it’s less intense. It’s important to know what each facility offers so you can choose the best fit for your needs. During this time, your therapy team will set goals with you and your family, and begin planning for your discharge to the next stage of care.
Next, you may receive therapy at home. This could include speech, physical, and occupational therapy, depending on your needs. Home-based therapy allows you to work on skills in your environment, which can help you become more independent in daily activities.
After home therapy, or if it’s not an option, you might go to outpatient therapy. This involves going to a clinic or hospital a few times a week. Some SLPs may come to your home or offer telehealth services (Currently, this is what I provide with Navigating Neuro Speech Therapy). Outpatient therapy continues to focus on improving your skills and helping you recover from a person-centered point of view.
Even after formal therapy ends, recovery can continue. Many stroke survivors keep practicing therapy activities at home or through community programs. Some universities with speech therapy programs may offer low-cost or free services. It’s important to stay engaged in your recovery, even years after the stroke. If it has been years since your stroke, and you are experiencing continued difficulties, it is never too late to reach out to an SLP and investigate participation in therapy again!
When seeing an SLP, you can expect a comprehensive assessment to identify specific challenges and set personalized goals for your therapy. SLPs create customized therapy plans using evidence-based practices, focusing on improving speech, language, cognitive skills, and swallowing. We also teach communication strategies to increase confidence and independence, while providing exercises to enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
Each stage of stroke recovery brings different challenges and opportunities. Remember, progress can take time, but every step forward is a win. Stay informed, ask questions, and be active in your therapy or advocating for your loved one. Your participation plays a big role in recovery and quality of life.
As you can see, SLPs may be key partners in your recovery, providing personalized care and support. At Navigating Neuro Speech Therapy, I’m happy to answer any questions you have about speech therapy and stroke recovery.
Why wait!? Support is right here. Contact me today!