Learning About Long-Term Care for Stroke

What is long-term care for stroke?

Long-term care for stroke is care for people who are leaving the hospital after a stroke but who still need some medical care or other help while they work on getting better. There are many types of long-term care facilities. They include a long-term acute hospital, skilled nursing facility, assisted living center, and home health care services. Long-term care can also include stroke rehabilitation.

Choosing the right type of long-term care is a very personal decision. It's important to look carefully at your options. You want to be sure that the level of care is right and that you will feel comfortable.

Your doctor or other members of your medical team can help you find which type of long-term care would be best for you.

What are the types of long-term care for stroke patients?

Each type of care center offers a different level of care. These centers may have shared or private rooms. Here are some examples.

An assisted living center or residential care center:

• Has a range of services. These may include meals, cleaning, and laundry. And they may offer help with personal needs like bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Often includes oversight by a nurse. You may be able to get help with basic care, such as getting medicines.

A skilled nursing facility:

• Offers nursing care up to 24 hours a day.
• Provides meals and laundry.
• Provides help with dressing, bathing, using the toilet, and other daily tasks.
• Offers rehab therapy.

A long-term acute care hospital:

• Is for stroke patients who have special medical problems. This may include things like not being able to breathe on your own.