Hospital Discharge After a Stroke

Being discharged from the hospital after a stroke can feel overwhelming. Many things may be different, and it is normal to feel scared or anxious. Some stroke survivors may be able to return to their homes, and others may need more specialized care on a temporary or permanent basis.

Your stroke care team will work with you to develop a discharge plan that is best for you. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Invite a friend or family member to participate in discharge planning. Understanding and following your discharge plan can help to prevent another stroke or other problems.

Understanding your medicines

After a stroke, your health care provider may prescribe one or more types of medicine. It is important to take medicines exactly as told by your health care provider. Serious harm, such as another stroke, can happen if you are unable to take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Make sure you understand:

• What medicine to take.
• Why you are taking the medicine.
• How and when to take it.
• If it can be taken with your other medicines and herbal supplements.
• Possible side effects.
• When to call your health care provider if you have any side effects.
• How you will get and pay for your medicines. Medical assistance programs may be able to help you pay for prescription medicines if you cannot afford them.

If you are taking an anticoagulant, be sure to take it exactly as told by your health care provider. This type of medicine can increase the risk of bleeding because it works to prevent blood from clotting. You may need to take certain precautions to prevent bleeding. You should contact your health care provider if you have:

• Bleeding or bruising.
• A fall or other injury to your head.
• Blood in your urine or stool (feces).

Planning for home safety

Take steps to prevent falls, such as installing grab bars or using a shower chair. Ask a friend or family member to get needed things in place before you go home if possible. A therapist can come to your home to make recommendations for safety equipment. Ask your health care provider if you would benefit from this service or from home care.

Getting needed equipment

Ask your health care provider for a list of any medical equipment and supplies you will need at home. These may include items such as:

• Walkers.
• Canes.
• Wheelchairs.
• Hand-strengthening devices.
• Special eating utensils.

Medical equipment can be rented or purchased, depending on your insurance coverage. Check with your insurance company about what is covered.

Keeping follow-up visits

After a stroke, you will need to follow up regularly with a health care provider. You may also need rehabilitation, which can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language therapy.

Keeping these appointments is very important to your recovery after a stroke. Be sure to bring your medicine list and discharge papers with you to your appointments. If you need help to keep track of your schedule, use a calendar or appointment reminder.

Preventing another stroke

Having a stroke puts you at risk for another stroke in the future. Ask your health care provider what actions you can take to lower the risk. These may include:

• Increasing how much you exercise.
• Making a healthy eating plan.
• Quitting smoking.
• Managing other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• Limiting alcohol use.

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke

Make sure you understand the signs of a stroke. Before you leave the hospital, you will receive information outlining the stroke warning signs. Share these with your friends and family members.

“BE FAST” is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of a stroke:

• B – Balance. Signs are dizziness, sudden trouble walking, or loss of balance.
• E – Eyes. Signs are trouble seeing or a sudden change in vision.
• F – Face. Signs are sudden weakness or numbness of the face, or the face or eyelid drooping on one side.
• A – Arms. Signs are weakness or numbness in an arm. This happens suddenly and usually on one side of the body.
• S – Speech. Signs are sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding what people say.
• T – Time. Time to call emergency services. Write down what time symptoms started.

Other signs of stroke may include:

• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Seizure.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Make note of the time that you had your first symptoms. Your emergency responders or emergency room staff will need to know this information.

Summary

• Being discharged from the hospital after a stroke can feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel scared or anxious.
• Make sure you take medicines exactly as told by your health care provider.
• Know the warning signs of a stroke, and get help right way if you have any of these symptoms. “BE FAST” is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of a stroke.