Post-Stroke Rehabilitation at Home: A Guide to Recovery and Prevention
Recovering from a stroke doesn’t end when you leave the hospital—it continues at home. With the right support, rehabilitation in the community can help survivors regain independence, prevent another stroke, and improve overall quality of life. Here’s what stroke rehabilitation looks like at home, based on the latest Stroke Foundation Australia (SFA) guidelines and other evidence-based recommendations.
Transitioning home: Early Supported Discharge (ESD)
If you or a loved one has had a mild to moderate stroke, Early Supported Discharge (ESD) programs can help speed up recovery. These programs provide:
A coordinated rehab team (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists) visiting your home (SFA Guideline 6.3.1) [1].
Personalised therapy plans tailored to mobility, speech, and daily tasks (SFA Guideline 6.3.2) [1].
Family training so caregivers can safely assist with exercises and transfers (SFA Guideline 6.4.2) [1].
Why it works? Studies show ESD reduces hospital stays and improves long-term recovery (SFA Guideline 6.3) [1].
Home-Based Rehabilitation: What to Expect
Once home, rehabilitation should focus on functional, real-world activities (SFA Guideline 6.5) [1]. Key elements include:
Mobility & balance training
Walking practice (with support from a walker or caregiver if needed) (SFA Guideline 6.5.1) [1].
Balance exercises to reduce fall risk (SFA Guideline 6.5.3) [1].
Adaptive equipment (e.g., grab bars, walking aids) for safety (SFA Guideline 6.7.1) [1].
Upper limb recovery
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) for those with partial arm function (SFA Guideline 6.5.4) [1].
Repetitive task practice (e.g., dressing, cooking) to improve arm function (SFA Guideline 6.5.5) [1].
Speech & cognitive therapy
Speech-language therapy for aphasia (SFA Guideline 6.6.2) [1].
Memory and problem-solving exercises for cognitive recovery (SFA Guideline 6.6.3) [1].
Managing spasticity
Daily stretching to prevent contractures (SFA Guideline 6.5.6) [1].
Avoid long-term splinting unless medically necessary (SFA Guideline 6.5.7) [1].
Preventing Another Stroke: Lifestyle & Risk Management
80% of strokes are preventable (World Stroke Organization) [2].
Key strategies at home:
Final thoughts
Recovering from a stroke takes time, but home-based rehabilitation—guided by therapists and supported by loved ones—can lead to meaningful progress. By combining therapy with healthy habits, stroke survivors can regain function and reduce the risk of another stroke.
Sources:
1. Stroke Foundation Australia Guidelines (2023)
2. World Stroke Organization - Prevention