The incidence of strokes in America has increased by approximately 15% in the last 10 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control, particularly among working-age people. Every year, 800,000 Americans have a stroke, and one in four people will experience a recurrent stroke in the next five years. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability.

But, the figure we focus most on at SYNERGY HomeCare relates to stroke recovery, specifically the first 90 days. For the first three months after a stroke, the brain is much like a new brain with an increased ability to learn and make new connections. That’s why it’s so important to focus on rehabilitation in the first 90 days. This is where people can make the most progress in regaining functions affected by the stroke. After three months, improvements can still be made, although at a slower pace.

The American Heart Association recommends rehab for people affected by stroke. The goal is to restore as much independence as possible by improving physical, mental and emotional functions.

Rehabilitation after a stroke begins in the hospital, often within a day or two after the initial event, and may continue at a rehab facility. After discharge from the hospital or rehab facility, stroke recovery continues at home.

Because strokes can damage parts of the brain that control speech, sight, feeling and mobility, activities of daily living may be challenging during the recovery process. That’s where homecare can help.

Homecare professionals understand that people are happiest and healthiest where they are most comfortable—in their own homes. We support stroke survivors so they can live as independently as possible at home. We also know that stroke rehabilitation can be hard work, and we’re here to provide the physical as well as emotional support that is key to getting the most out of recovery at home.

Yet, in examining the data and increased likelihood of strokes occurring, we’ve realized that homecare plays a critical, and oftentimes undervalued, part in the post-stroke continuum of care. We’ve recognized that it is critically important for the homecare industry to showcase that we are well-prepared to assist potential clients as they return home while also hopefully saving millions of dollars in in-home challenges that can lead to hospital and rehabilitation facility re-admittances.

That is why we created the SYNERGY HomeCare Stroke Recovery Care Certification. Through enhanced training, we are working to ensure that our franchisees and their caregivers understand the hard and soft skills that assist those who have returned home after a stroke.

We focus on the person-centric approach to homecare and the importance of the one-to-one caregiver relationship with the client. We work to see the world through the client who may not realize their new physical limitations and may need assistance in moving throughout the house. In addition to patient safety, we also need to understand the frustration many will have that they have lost the ease that they once maneuvered through activities of daily living with. Activities such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation or even transportation to medical appointments can be difficult for the patient recovering from a stroke—and where homecare can fill a new void.

Finally, experiencing a stroke is a frightening experience for anyone, and also comes with the uncertainty and fear of an additional stroke episode.

In addition to providing companionship and support, we must be educated on what to look for as we observe changes in a patient’s behavior that may suggest the need for a medical intervention. Caregivers should always be trained in the FAST model by the American Stroke Association in which caregivers are focused on: