Stroke Care Program

Stroke (CVA or Cerebral Vascular Accident)

Patient Information

General information:
Know The 2 Types Of Stroke:
1. Ischemic Stroke is caused by a blocked blood
vessel
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke is caused by bleeding into
the brain
Risk Factors for Stroke:
High blood pressure
Tobacco use
Diabetes
High blood cholesterol
Carotid or other artery disease
Atrial fibrillation
Heart disease
Physical inactivity
Obesity
How To Prevent Stroke:
Dont smoke! Take advantage of our smoking
cessation packet. It contains hints and resources
that can help you quit
Control your blood pressure: Take medications as
prescribed, eat low sodium diet. Have your blood
pressure checked frequently. Keep a log of your
blood pressure by date and time.
Manage your diabetes: exercise, eat heart
healthy diet, take medications as prescribed,
monitor blood sugars on a regular basis
(recommended by physician)
Eat a heart health diet: reduce salt, fat,
cholesterol and increase fiber.
Be active l Incorporate physical activity in to your
daily routine most days of the week
Take rest periods daily.
Ask your doctor about when you may drive.
Complications Following A Stroke Include:
Physical weakness
Mobility limitations
Speech changes

Swallowing difficulty
Behavior or mood changes
Depression
Sexual dysfunction
Safety concerns: Falls and driving

Whats next after suffering a stroke?

The brain compensates for a stroke ... the brain
reorganizes its own function. A region of the brain
may take over part of the function of a region that
was damaged by a stroke. That is why rehabilitation
is important after a stroke.
Discharge plan (please circle):
Inpatient rehabilitation unit
Home with support with ongoing nursing and
therapy support
Assisted living facilities
Adult family home
Long term care facility
Nursing and therapy support (please circle):
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Rehabilitation physician and/or nurse
Speech language services
Therapeutic recreation
Social worker

What changes do I have to make at home?

- THINK SAFETY
Stairs:
Keep stairs clear of clutter
Dont wear socks or slippers on stairs
Install handrails on both sides of the stairs
Avoid throw rugs or use nonskid backing on rugs
Bathroom:
Install and use grab bars around toilet and
shower/bath.
Line bottom of tub with non-skid mats.

DATE: _____________ TIME: ______

If you are on medications after discharge from the hospital we have listed them on another page called the MEDICATION RECONCILIATION LIST,
Keep your LIST up to date, When you return for a medical appointment or hospitalization It will help us take care of you

Stroke Care Program

Stroke (CVA or Cerebral Vascular Accident)

Patient Information cont.
Avoid using oils and creams in the bath
Bedroom:
Arrange furniture to provide for clear walking areas
Decrease clutter on floor
Keep a flashlight or night light near the bed to avoid
stumbling through the dark
Kitchen:
Wipe up spills right away
Avoid using step stools
Keep a fire extinguisher that is within easy reach in
the kitchen
Move often used items within easy reach

Call 9-1-1 Immediately If You Or Someone You

Are With Has:

Outside:
Have adequate lighting in your garage to avoid
falling over items
Return all tools to their rack or hook
All entryway and walkways should be well lighted
Repair cracked or broken walkways
Keep snow and ice cleared from walkways
Paint outside steps with a mixture of sand and paint
to provide non-slip tread traction.

Support Groups and Resources:

Stroke information line: 1-888-4-STROKE
American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.
org
National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org
American heart association: www.aha.org; 206-6326881 or 1-800-562-6718

Sudden numbness or weakness of their face, arm or

leg
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or
understanding what is said
Sudden change in vision in one or both eyes
Sudden difficulty in walking
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with an unknown cause
***Important to note the time that the symptoms
began.

Emergency tips:
Have a list of emergency numbers listed near the
phone or program a cordless phone with emergency
numbers
Have a friend or relative call you at a planned time
every day and develop a plan of action if you cannot
be contacted.

DATE: _____________ TIME: ______

If you are on medications after discharge from the hospital we have listed them on another page called the MEDICATION RECONCILIATION LIST,
Keep your LIST up to date, When you return for a medical appointment or hospitalization It will help us take care of you