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What Is Stroke Rehabilitation?

Stroke Rehabilitation is specialized therapy to help patients recover after a stroke. The goal is to reduce disability, regain independence and improve quality of life. Therapy focuses on restoring mobility, self-care, communication, cognition and safe swallowing.

A multidisciplinary team, including physical, occupational and speech therapists, works with patients and caregivers to create personalized plans that support recovery in inpatient, outpatient and home-based settings.

What Areas Does Stroke Rehabilitation Address?

  • Mobility & locomotion: Transfers, walking, wheelchair use, stairs

  • Self-Care: Grooming, dressing, meal preparation

  • Communication: Speech, language and cognitive strategies

  • Swallowing & safe eating

  • Cognition: Memory, attention, problem solving

  • Bowel & bladder function

The Care We Provide

Therapists design personalized programs to improve mobility, strength, coordination, communication and swallowing. Therapy can include adaptive equipment training and strategies to regain independence at home.

  • Short-stay inpatient therapy, five or more days per week
  • Three or more hours of therapy daily for patients able to tolerate intensive care

 

Location: Buffalo General Medical Center – Physical, Occupational, Speech/Swallowing Therapy

  • Structured therapy for patients transitioning from acute care
  • Typically lasts several weeks, focusing on strength, mobility and a safe return home

 

Locations: Olean General Hospital, DeGraff Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing, HighPointe on Michigan

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CARF-Accredited Stroke Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Kaleida Health’s medical rehabilitation unit at Buffalo General Medical Center is the only facility in the eight counties of Western New York to earn specialty CARF accreditation in stroke rehabilitation. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and high-quality care. 

The program provides comprehensive support to help stroke survivors transition home successfully. While in the inpatient unit, patients and their caregivers receive education on preventing recurrent strokes, managing the physical, emotional and social effects of stroke, coping strategies and using adaptive equipment when needed. Patients are also connected with community resources to support ongoing recovery.

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Why Choose Kaleida Health for Stroke Rehabilitation & Therapy?

  • Experienced stroke rehabilitation specialists who work together as one coordinated care team
  • The region’s only CARF-accredited inpatient stroke rehabilitation program, meeting the highest national standards for quality
  • Daily physician oversight by a physiatrist and intensive, personalized therapy plans tailored to each patient’s goals
  • Advanced technology for recovery, including Bioness devices, VitalStim therapy and FEES swallowing evaluations to accelerate recovery and improve outcomes
  • Proven results, with strong performance in helping more patients return home and regain independence
  • Comprehensive support that includes caregiver education, community resources and ongoing stroke support groups
  • Seamless coordination across Kaleida Health hospitals and outpatient services for a smoother recovery journey
  • A commitment to safety, dignity and meaningful recovery at every step of care
Request an Appointment
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Meet Your Care Team

Your care is delivered by an experienced interdisciplinary rehabilitation team that works together to achieve your goals. Your recovery is led by a physiatrist, a physician trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who monitors your medical and functional progress each day and coordinates your plan of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your stroke rehabilitation team includes:

  • Rehabilitation nurses who support your medical needs and daily recovery
  • Physical therapists who help you regain strength, balance and mobility
  • Occupational therapists who focus on daily activities like dressing, bathing and safe movement at home
  • Speech language pathologists who address speech, language, cognition and swallowing
  • Discharge planners who prepare you and your family for a safe transition home
  • Support staff who help ensure a comfortable and well-coordinated experience

We partner with you and your caregivers throughout your stroke rehabilitation. Your team provides education, hands-on training and practical guidance so you and your family feel prepared for life after discharge. Family and friends are an important part of recovery, and we treat them as essential members of your care team.