Three Years after In-Patient Stroke Rehabilitation: A Follow-Up Study

A 3-year follow-up study was performed aimed at describing the outcome for severely affected stroke survivors who had undergone geriatric in-patient rehabilitation. Living conditions, psychological well-being, and changes in functions were assessed in 55 survivors. Twenty-five people were living in the community, 15 in apartment hotels or homes for the aged and 15 in nursing homes. From discharge to follow-up 11 people had had to move to an accommodation offering more support. Living alone, recurrent strokes and functional decline were associated with moving. Many of those living in the community were supported by relatives or home help services. Home adjustments and assistive devices were common and in most cases were aimed at facilitating transfers and bathroom activities. Motor function had deteriorated from discharge to follow-up, otherwise no statistically significant changes were seen in the survivors' abilities and functions. Most survivors had in fact been able to maintain their functions or to make further improvements. Also, their psychological well-being seemed quite good. These results should encourage rehabilitation efforts for elderly people severely affected by stroke.