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Leaving Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

It may take you longer to recover from a stroke than the time spent in inpatient rehab. For many people, recovery continues after they leave rehab.

That's where the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute comes in.

Our Center for Acquired Brain Injury Rehab offers outpatient care for people with stroke and other forms of brain injury.

Contact the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute

To learn more about stroke rehabilitation or to refer a patient, call 1-877-287-3422.

What Happens After I Leave Inpatient Stroke Rehab?

After you leave, a doctor will continue to work with you to address post-stroke issues such as:

  • Gait disorder.
  • Problems with dressing, bathing, and other daily tasks.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Inner ear disorder.
  • Spasticity.
  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction.
  • Plans to return to work or school.
  • Brain-behavior assessments.

Discharge Planning and Community Re-entry After a Stroke

You and your family or caregivers should start planning for your continued care as soon as you can.

What does planning for inpatient stroke rehab discharge look like?

The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offers post-stroke support and management.

Outpatient stroke rehab can help you transition from the hospital to the community.

Reviewing your needs

Before you leave inpatient stroke rehab, your care team will go over the following:

  • Equipment needs, such as walkers or special beds.
  • Medicine and supplies.
  • Supervision and help after discharge.
  • Follow-up care and at-home nursing.
  • Follow-up doctor appointments.
  • Family or caregiver training to better help you.

Getting training for your caregiver

Family and caregivers play a vital role in your stroke recovery.

You should choose your caregivers before leaving inpatient stroke rehab. That way they can get hands-on training to help care for you when you go home.

Training sessions will teach your caregiver how to help you with:

  • Showering and using the toilet.
  • Getting dressed.
  • Walking or using a wheelchair.
  • Eating and swallowing.
  • Caring for wounds.
  • Getting in and out of cars.
  • Walking up and down stairs.
  • Managing your medications and outpatient appointments.

How can I find a UPMC outpatient stroke rehab center near me?

There are more than 60 UPMC outpatient rehab locations throughout Pennsylvania.

So, it's easy to find stroke rehab that's close to where you live or work.


Contact the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute

Contact the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute to learn more about inpatient rehab.