Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients Who Are Older and Severely Affected: Short- and Long-term Perspectives

Abstract

This review has focused on older and severely affected patients. The following aspects have been studied: the suffering of a stroke, experiences of stroke units, rehabilitation, long-term perspective, and psychological well-being. The conclusion is that older and severely affected patients can make substantial progress during rehabilitation. Most patients can maintain or even improve this progress in the long-term perspective. The review shows that many can stay in independent living with support from home help services and relatives, home adjustments, and assistive devices. In long-term follow-ups, some indications show that stroke patients assess their psychological well-being as good, or fairly good, but detection and treatment of depression are essential.

Keywords:

• accommodation
• depression
• geriatric care
• long-term
• morale
• older
• outcome
• rehabilitation
• stroke