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Quick Guide
Acute Hospital Rehabilitation
After My Stroke
My Kaiser Acute Rehabilitation, Vallejo CA
was often referred to as "bootcamp".
Physical, Occupational, and Speech
therapies are morning and afternoon,
7 days a week.
This Is A Quick Guide
For Making The Most Of Acute Rehabilitation
PREVIEW
I was inspired by everyone in my Stroke Treatment unit to qualify for what I considered the "varsity team" in Acute Rehabilitation. The Kaiser AR was described by everyone as a "bootcamp" for those willing to do the work, and earn the rewards!
Preparing For Discharge And Transfer
Transfer to Kaiser's Acute Rehabilitation Center in Vallejo, CA was for me a very big deal. It was the first validation that I was on the right track and being recognized as a patient with the determination to achieve "full" recovery. With my wife's help I got all spruced up and packed up the few essentials we knew I would need in Vallejo. Then, just before heading downstairs I was visited by nearly all of the day shift 2 South team members and enjoyed their heartfelt send off.It was so far, the most uplifting day in Stroke Treatment / Recovery.
Insights into my successful hospital stay,
treatments, and preparations for
advancement to Acute Rehabilitation.
Transfer To Acute Rehab
When I got down to street level with my wife, we were met by my son Brian who was to go on ahead of me to meet me in Vallejo. I was surprised to be met by a EMT Team with just one mutual goal - get me there in one piece and without suffering another Stroke. Just as in the week before, they were Pros. The nearly
90 minute ride gave me time to reflect on where I had truly been, and where I was going.
Admission To Acute Rehab
As planned, my son met my "ride" and we were escorted to my accommodations. Having enjoyed a private room in Roseville, the four bed "ward" was a bit of a shock. But, on meeting some of my ward mates, I was reminded that we were all there for the same reason, and with the same hopes. It was the Friday of 4th of July weekend. Regardless, we were immediately briefed on my 7 days a week schedule of physical, speech and occupational therapies, which began first thing Saturday morning. There was a reconciliation of my medications and vital sign records begun in Roseville. My admission was so late in the day, I could only enjoy the "meal of the day". Still, my son and I spent about an hour customizing my menus for the week from a very diverse, but low salt, low fat, decaffeinated offering of selections.
Acute Rehab. A Different Kind Of Hospitalization.
Acute Rehabilitation in hospital is different than a regular hospital stay. First, you are a patient being treated medically for a Stroke Event. But, overriding that is the fact that you are also considered to be in rehabilitation. And, that process will consume nearly half of your day, everyday of your staff. My schedule was very regimented and challenged me with its demand on my energy and attentions. In this guide I share what was expected of me and how I took it upon myself to make sure that I was up to the rigorous schedule and physical demands of putting together the puzzle that was my physical, cognitive, and occupational therapies.
To download this
FREE
Stroke Angel Quick Guide
click below.
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