Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Stroke Rehabilitation

There are many questions and great uncertainty for patients and their families following a stroke. The questions listed below are just a few that the patient may want to address to their clinician, social worker, or other professional involved with their care. Of course, all questions can be asked by family members in regard to a family member or loved one who has suffered a stroke.

• What evaluation is necessary to determine any underlying causes of the stroke?
• What is my risk of getting another stroke?
• What steps should I be taking to minimize the risk of another stroke or the complications
• Should I follow a special diet?
• Am I a candidate for stroke rehabilitation?
• Who will be on the rehabilitation team?
• What kind of rehabilitation setting do you recommend? Outpatient? Inpatient?
• How long will I remain in rehabilitation?
• How often should I be receiving rehabilitation services?
• How much function can I expect to recover?
• How will I know if feelings that I have, such as sadness or fatigue are normal or not?
• What level of ongoing care and daily assistance will be needed?
• How much of my rehabilitation will insurance cover? For how long does the coverage last?
• Will you be available for me if I have any question?
• At what point should we consider a nursing facility for our loved one who suffered a stroke?
• How can I join a Stroke Club?
• What services are available for my caregiver to learn more about stroke? Should my caregiver participate in support groups as well?
• Are there any clinical trials in which I might be eligible to participate?