Education
Why is Education Important?
Patients often have short admissions and receive a large amount of information while in the hospital. For stroke patients, it’s important that the patient and family receive essential information about strokes, necessary lifestyle changes, medications, therapy options, etc. Each patient and family is educated on rehabilitation and coping techniques that they can use in the hospital and at home.
Topics covered with patient and caregiver/family during hospital stay
- Rehabilitation to improve speech, movement and daily activities
- Coping strategies for dealing with the physical and emotional effects of stroke
- Support and resources for patients and caregivers
- Tips for living healthier, safe medication use, warning signs of another stroke, and the importance of calling 911 IMMEDIATELY for emergency medical help
- A worksheet to write the names of caregivers so the patient can identify staff taking care of them that also includes a list of general risk factors specific to the patient
- “Stroke and TIA” – Explains the difference between a Stroke and TIA
- Information about the Shenandoah Valley Stroke Club, a support group for stroke survivors, their family and friends that is sponsored by Augusta Health’s Recreation Therapy Department
- Nutrition education
- Contact information for a nursing case manager for any questions after discharge
- Information about Augusta Health’s Rehabilitation Unit
Take a Minute to Measure Your Risk!
Risk Factors you can control:
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco / smoking
- High blood cholesterol
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Risk Factors you can’t control:
- Increasing age
- Sex (gender)
- Race
- Family medical history
- Previous heart attack or stroke
Lifestyle Changes for Prevention
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly with your doctor’s permission
- Keep your blook pressure under control
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Adopt a diet low in sodium and fat
- Actively manage your diabetes
- Know your family history to identify risks
- Take your medications as prescribed