Partner Sites:
Frazier Rehab Institute/
    Jewish Hospital

Clark Memorial Hospital

Floyd Memorial Hospital
    and Health Services

Learn more about SIRH and our unique partnership

Stroke Program

A Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, is a neurological disorder as a result of a lack of blood flow to the brain. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the major cause of disability in adults. Because the brain is the "control center" of the body, damage to the brain could result in: Medical complications Physical impairments Cognitive/perceptual impairments Emotional impairments

Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital's Stroke Program
At SIRH, we recognize the profound effects a stroke can have on a person's life. We offer stroke survivors' comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehab services, as well as community activities that are tailored to the individual's needs. 

Acute Rehabilitation
This program is designed for individuals who can benefit from an intensive, functional, outcome-oriented program. The treatment team consists of the patient; family; physician; occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologist; certified brain injury specialists; rehab nurses; psychologists; case managers; nutritionist (dietician), therapeutic recreation specialist and others as necessary.

Our Rehab team has additional expertise in the area of spasticity management and kinesiotaping. Spasticity in the arm or leg can be a frustrating result of a stroke, yet with proper intervention the spasticity can often be reduced, increasing a person's quality of life. Kinesiotaping is a technique used by certified staff members to assist with edema management (swelling) and subluxation of the shoulder to name a few benefits of this treatment procedure.

Because we believe strongly in educating the patient and family regarding strokes, each stroke survivor admitted to our facility receives a copy of The Patient Handbook for Stroke Survivors, and a video titled "Moving On...Life After a Stroke." Both of these resources review what a stroke is, the effects of a stroke, the continuum of care and coping with life after a stroke. For a free copy of the handbook and/or video/DVD, please email us at sirh.info@sirh.org. 

The primary goal of the acute rehabilitation phase is to return the individual to the community. Treatment priorities include: mobility, activities of daily living, functional communication and swallowing, psychosocial skills, cognitive and behavioral improvements, community re-integration and patient and family education.

Outpatient/Day Hospital
The outpatient/day hospital program is designed for those individuals who have completed inpatient rehab or for individuals from the community, who do not require nightly medical management, yet require therapeutic interventions. The focus of the outpatient rehab is on home and community re-integration. During the outpatient phase, treatment generally focuses on re-integrating the person back into work, school, leisure etc. 

Community Programs
Unfortunately, the residual effects of a stroke can alter a person's lifestyle forever. SIRH is committed to providing ongoing support and education beyond the person's initial phase of recovery.

Stroke Support Group
SIRH host a monthly Stroke Support group for survivors, family and other interested people. The group is facilitated by professionals and is designed to be both supportive and educational in nature. The group is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at SIRH.

CVA Camp SIRH also offers a CVA Camp - "Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital Adventure Days". Implemented in 1995, the camp is one of a few across the entire country. A four-day, three night retreat is provided for individuals that have had a stroke and do not require twenty-four hour supervision for cognitive purposes. People with all levels of disability are welcomed to attend the camp.

The goal of the camp is to allow the stroke survivor an opportunity to participate in activities that were thought-to-be lost due to the stroke, yet in a secure environment. The camp also provides the opportunity for caregivers to have a respite weekend. Many of the caregivers tend to stroke survivors' needs 24-hours a day, seven days a week, with little to no help from others. 

Campers enjoy activities such as fishing, movie outings, arts and crafts, dinner outings, accessible hayrides and a theme party to name but a few.

Trained professionals such as, nurses, therapists and volunteers, staff the camp. The camp has a nurse 24 hours a day to administer medications and assist with any possible medical emergencies.