How can we help keep our dad in the Rehab Hospital?

Debbie I can only speak from my own experience. I do know different hospitals have different level of services. I spent three months in hospital, during that time rehab was tough going. Being able to communicate with physios and O.T's was essential. 

Debbie this must be such a sad time for you standing by  watching your struggling with stroke recovery. Jenny

Hi Debbie,

We are so sorry to hear about your dad having a stroke. It sounds like he is making some progress, which is a positive thing. 

It helps to talk with the hospital therapists, Doctor and nurses regularly so you know exactly what your dad's goals are and also what their expectations are of him. When family visit you can then work specifically on these goals. Most rehab teams usually set discharge dates with patients to have something to work towards. Does your dad have an estimated discharge date? Sometimes this date changes depending on progress.

Usually family meetings are held to give the therapy staff a chance to feedback how the patient is going and so the family have a chance to ask any questions. The goals and discharge date are usually discussed during these meetings. Is a family meeting planned to talk about his progress?

If your dad isn't making progress the staff may start talking to you about discharge options and destinations. If you disagree with their recommendations, speaking to the nurse unit manager, the rehabilitation physician or the hospital complaints officer can help.

You may also like to enquire about whether Transitional Care is an option if he is unable to remain in rehabilitation. The length of time people stay in rehabilitation and available resources does unfortunately vary from hospital to hospital as Jenny touched on.

Advocating for your loved one is important and communicating openly with therapy staff about your concerns. Writing a list of your questions can help and having them addressed ensures everyone is on the same page. If your dad hasn't already got our stroke recovery resource My Stroke Journey, you might find it helpful. 

If you would like more detailed information, advice or support please call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653. We would be very happy to help you further.

Best wishes to you and your dad,

Simone (Occupational Therapist - StrokeLine)

I am sadenned to read your story. It sounds similar to my 71 previously fit mum a year

ago. We were told she would go to a nursing home and had no rehab goals. I am a nurse and wouldn't accept this after just a week. I fought for her to go to "slow stream" rehab at a private hospital in Sydney. She spent 3 months there and a further 3 months was spent on a transitional care program. She reached her best. She is able to walk short istances with a stick- is independant with feeding and toileting. Sadly she has no speech and Has cognitive - emotional issues. I have a phrase we celebrate how far she has come - but grieve how much she has lost. She has been able to return home with full time care. 

I encourage you to stay strong and advocate for your dad to have a chance to achieve his best. You know him better than anyone and although no one knows the road ahead you will know you have fought to bring the best possible outcomes. The system can be quick to map out the path but if you want alternatives voice these with his team. 

Its early days... 

Your post made me smile when I read the gains your dad had already made. Things take their own time and happen when they are ready.  Eating and drinking and sitting up for a while are great achievements. And, yes, "what next" can be a worrying question. Keep up the conversation with the staff.

Weiry01 Can I ask how soon it was before your mum started to get some movement back in her leg was it immediate or within 3 months after the stroke?