Stroke survivors often face challenges in their journey to recovery, but with the right support and guidance, they can overcome these obstacles and thrive. One effective approach to post-stroke rehabilitation is early supported discharge, which can provide the structure and support needed to kickstart the recovery process. And one key component of early supported discharge is exercise.
By incorporating regular, targeted exercise into your routine, you can improve your strength, balance, and mobility, all of which are essential for regaining your independence and improving your quality of life. With the support of your physiotherapist, you can safely and effectively integrate back into your home setting, maximizing your functional recovery in a familiar environment.
With the right support, you can take control of your recovery and live a healthier, happier life. Understand the benefits of exercise after stroke and get started with early supported discharge.
What Is Early Supported Discharge (ESD)?
Early Supported Discharge (ESD) is where patients are provided supported in-home rehabilitation treatment compared to the conventional hospital-based rehabilitation model of service delivery.
Clinical guidelines recommend that ESD services should provide timely and intensive rehabilitation, with treatment at the home starting within 24 hours of hospital discharge, to support stroke survivor recovery. This can be an extremely daunting time for stroke survivors and their loved ones, but with the help of early-supported discharge services, it doesn't have to be.
ESD programs provide responsive and intensive rehabilitation treatment, which starts within 24 hours of discharge from the hospital. This period is critical for stroke patients transitioning back into their home environment and community. ESD services aim to promote stroke survivors' independence and speed up their return to leading full and active life.
Who Will Benefit the Most From ESD?
If you're a stroke survivor, you may wonder what Early Supported Discharge (ESD) is and whether it's right for you. ESD is a rehabilitative treatment program that provides support and services in-home instead of in a hospital setting.
According to research, early-supported discharge (ESD) programs can benefit a wide range of stroke survivors, including those with mild to moderate impairments. Older adults and those with comorbidities may also benefit from ESD programs, as they may be at higher risk for complications and prolonged hospital stays. ESD programs can provide tailored support and guidance to help these individuals recover more quickly and effectively
Studies have shown that early mobilization (within 24 hours after stroke and at regular intervals afterwards) has been shown to result in earlier walking and improved functional recovery. In other words, the sooner you move, the better your chances of regaining your independence.
That's why ESD can be such an important option for stroke survivors. It allows you to slowly build up your strength and mobility at your own pace, with the support of professionals dedicated to your success. So if you're ready to start rebuilding your life, ESD may be the perfect way to get started.
The Importance of ESD
Early-supported discharge (ESD) programs are important for several reasons. Research has shown that ESD can improve functional outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors and reduce the length of hospital stays and readmission rates. This can result in cost savings for the healthcare system and can also help to relieve pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
In addition, ESD programs can provide tailored support and guidance to help stroke survivors recover more quickly and effectively. This can include access to rehabilitation services, support with activities of daily living, and education on managing post-stroke symptoms. By providing this support in the early stages of recovery, ESD programs can help stroke survivors to regain their independence and improve their quality of life in the comfort of their own home.
Overall, ESD programs can provide a practical and effective approach to post-stroke rehabilitation, helping stroke survivors to recover more quickly and effectively and improve their long-term outcomes.
What Is Included in a Neurorehab Program?
The early-supported discharge program may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. This means you can work with a rehabilitation team to help you regain your independence and improve your quality of life.
The physiotherapy component of the program focuses on improving impairments such as muscle strength, balance, trunk and/or limb coordination depending on what was impacted from the stroke. This is important because stroke survivors often have difficulty moving their affected limbs, and this exercise can help to improve their range of motion and strength.
Occupational therapy services will help you with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. Speech therapy can help you regain your ability to communicate effectively.
All these services are provided in an outpatient or home therapy setting, so you can receive the treatment you need without staying in the hospital.
What Are the Advantages of ESD Compared to Traditional Hospital-Based Rehabilitation?
Research shows several advantages of early-supported discharge (ESD) programs compared to traditional hospital-based rehabilitation. These advantages include the following:
Improved functional outcomes: ESD programs have been shown to improve functional outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors, compared to traditional hospital-based rehabilitation.
Reduced length of hospital stays: ESD programs can reduce the length of hospital stays for stroke survivors, which can result in cost savings for the healthcare system and can also help to relieve pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Tailored support and guidance: ESD programs can provide tailored support and guidance to help stroke survivors recover more quickly and effectively. This can include access to rehabilitation services, support with activities of daily living, and education on managing post-stroke symptoms.
Improved access to rehabilitation: ESD programs can provide stroke survivors with access to rehabilitation services in their homes or community, which can be more convenient and less overwhelming than receiving rehabilitation in a hospital setting.
Overall, ESD programs offer several advantages compared to traditional hospital-based rehabilitation, including improved functional outcomes, reduced length of hospital stays, tailored support and guidance, and improved access to rehabilitation.
Tips for a Successful ESD Program
Here are some tips to ensure that your ESD program is successful:
Work with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who is experienced in stroke rehabilitation.
Set realistic goals for what you hope to achieve with the ESD program.
Make sure that you (and your family or carers) are fully committed to the program and willing to put in the effort required.
Follow the recommended exercises and activities as closely as possible.
Be patient – recovery from a stroke can take months or even years.
Conclusion
Early supported discharge has been shown to benefit patients when it comes to stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. This includes faster recoveries, reduced hospital stays, and improved quality of life. Early supported discharge may be the right rehabilitation option if you or a loved one has recently suffered a stroke or brain injury.
If you are interested in our ESD program, we encourage you to reach out as early as possible to plan your first session. With the right support and guidance, you can begin your neurorehab journey and take control of your recovery.
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