Stroke Rehabilitation at Home
Is a loved one struggling after a stroke?
A stroke changes everything in an instant. It’s not just about the loss of movement; it’s the loss of independence for the stroke survivor and a sudden, overwhelming shift for the caregiver. You might be watching a parent struggle to stand up, get dressed, or even make a cup of tea. It is exhausting for them and worrying for you.
You don’t have to accept “this is as good as it gets.”
Every stroke patient has a unique recovery journey. Our specialised stroke aftercare reignites progress by treating the whole person: regaining movement (Physiotherapy) and relearning daily living skills (Occupational Therapy).
The “Whole Person” Approach to Stroke Recovery
Most services treat the arm or the leg. We treat the life. By combining Neuro Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, we ensure you or your loved one builds the physical strength to move and the practical skills to live independently again.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a detailed home visit to understand the physical and cognitive challenges following a stroke. We assess movement, safety, and the home environment to establish a clear baseline.
2. A Tailored Care Plan
Generic exercises rarely work well. We tailor a personalised care plan specific to your loved one’s goals, whether that’s walking to the garden or making a meal independently.
3. Effective Recovery
Rehabilitation relies on repetition. By practicing skills at home, we help stroke survivors rebuild neural pathways fast, ensuring the most effective recovery possible.
THE PHYSIOTHERAPY ROLE
Our Neuro Physiotherapists focus on neuroplasticity. using targeted physiotherapy exercises to stimulate the brain and bypass damaged areas. We create the physical foundation required to overcome physical limitations, regain strength, and restore your confidence.
Gait & Mobility Re-education: We analyse your walking pattern to correct abnormalities caused by weakness on one side of the body. The goal is to improve walking speed, step quality, and safety indoors and outdoors.
Tone & Spasticity Management: We use specific handling techniques, stretching, and positioning to relieve muscle stiffness (high tone) and spasms. This helps reduce the risk of pain and improves comfort.
Upper Limb Recovery: Intensive, repetitive exercises designed to “wake up” dormant muscles in the arm and shoulder. We focus on reaching, grasping, and restoring function.
Balance & Core Stability: Strengthening the trunk and core muscles is vital for sitting and standing balance. This is the primary method for preventing falls and allowing you to stand up without assistance.
Strength & Conditioning: We build overall physical endurance to combat post-stroke fatigue. Increasing your stamina allows you to participate more fully in the recovery process.
THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ROLE
Our OTs bridge the gap between “recovering movement” and “reclaiming your life.” We focus on the practical skills required to live safely and independently at home.
- Personal Care & Transfers: Retraining techniques to wash, dress, and manage personal care independently. We practice safe transfers to reduce the physical burden on family carers.
- Adapting the Living Environment: We assess the home to identify hazards. We help patients navigate their own kitchen or bathroom safely, restoring confidence in real-world tasks.
- Hand Therapy (Upper Limb): Targeted therapy for the hands and fingers to assist with writing, using cutlery, and fastening buttons or zips.
- Cognitive Exercises: Strategies to manage post-stroke fatigue, memory loss, and planning skills to help navigate the day.
- Equipment Prescriptions: Expert advice on aids (such as grab rails or perch stools) to make daily living easier immediately.
Why treating Stroke at home works best
Hospital gyms are perfect for early recovery, but you cannot learn to live in your own home by practicing in a clinic. Successful recovery at home relies on neuroplasticity – the ability of brain cells to rewire themselves. This happens fastest when the tasks are meaningful. By seeing you in your own environment, we practice on your stairs and with your furniture. This “real-world” rehab improves your overall quality of life because every exercise has a direct purpose.
Trusted by Families Across Hampshire, Dorset & Wiltshire
We are incredibly proud of the 5-star feedback we receive from our clients on Google. These independent reviews reflect our team’s commitment to helping loved ones regain mobility and independence through compassionate, effective, and professional care at home.
Helpful Resources for Stroke Recovery
Explore our case studies and guides to understand the road ahead.
Real Results
Case Study: Severe Stroke Recovery
Read how we helped a patient reduce their care needs and return home faster.
Expert Advice
10 Tips for Hospital Discharge
Preparing the home for a loved one returning from hospital after a stroke.
Self-Management
Home Exercises for Stroke
A physiotherapist’s guide to safe exercises you can try at home.
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How do I know if my parent is at risk of falling?
There are usually warning signs before a major fall. If they are “furniture surfing” (holding onto chairs to walk), seem hesitant on stairs, have had a minor stumble in the last year, or express a fear of falling, they are at risk. A comprehensive assessment can identify the specific physical and environmental causes before an injury occurs.
Do you treat all types of stroke (TIA, Ischaemic, Haemorrhagic)?
Yes. Whether the stroke was caused by a clot (Ischaemic), bleeding in the brain (Haemorrhagic), or was a “mini-stroke” (TIA), our rehabilitation principles remain the same. We focus on your specific symptoms and goals.
If your recovery requires speech therapy or dietetics, we can work alongside your existing NHS team or recommend private specialists to ensure a fully integrated approach.
What is the difference between the Physio and OT assessment?
They work hand-in-hand. The Physiotherapist assesses the person (balance, muscle strength, gait), while the Occupational Therapist assesses the environment (rugs, lighting, bathroom safety). By looking at both, we ensure your parent is physically stronger and their home is safer.
Will they need to make expensive changes to their home?
Rarely. We prioritise practical, low-cost solutions. Often, safety can be improved by rearranging furniture, improving lighting with brighter bulbs, or removing trip hazards. If equipment (like grab rails) is needed, we guide you on exactly what to get, but the choice is always yours.
Which areas do you visit?
We provide home visits across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. This includes Ringwood, Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, and the surrounding villages.