b'STROKE CARE 50% (with mild to no cognitiveimpairment) were considered to be socially engaged; and No core therapy3 1 core therapy 2 or more core therapies459.8% had a Charlson Score2,suggesting a reasonable burdenof comorbidity.As well, in 2014/15, the average service minutes per day for rehabilitation72.6 74.0services for residents with stroke were70.2minimal (six minutes/day of PT, four64.3minutes/day of OT and six minutes/day61.3of SLP). Of the residents with stroke receiving therapy, 64.6% received only one therapy (usually physiotherapy), 3.3% received two therapies, and no residents received all three therapies.35.4Only 4.3% of residents with stroke33.0received recreation therapy. 24.6 22.9As evident from the above data,21.9residents with stroke have high care needs, yet receive minimal rehabilitation and recreation therapy5.2 4.5 4.0 3.3services. The following summary2.8illustrates the diverse ways in which rehabilitation and recreation therapists2010/112011/122012/132013/142014/15 can support residents to maintain1,408 1,325 1,359 1,273 1,411their functional status, promoteProportion of stroke survivors in long-term care who receivedindependence, assist in managing0, 1, 2, or 3 core therapies (PT, OT, SLP) in Ontario, 2010/11 to 2014/15complications such as falls, pain, pressure ulcers, and behaviours andSWs support both the strokesignificant role in helping the long-support positive resident outcomessurvivor and their loved ones duringterm care team to meet the extensive and quality of life. and after the transition to long-termcare needs of residents with stroke. OTs provide strategies to supportcare by providing counselling servicesWith the policy changes to the residents with their activities offor residents at risk of depression orProgram and Support Services funding daily living (ADLs) and instrumentalother mental health challenges, asenvelope there is an opportunity activities of daily living (IADLs), therebywell as information on financial aidsto expand access to such services. improving the residents abilitiesand assistance.Working collaboratively with other to be more independent, which inTRs use recreation and leisure- members of the long-term care team, turn improves their quality of lifebased interventions to improve thethese rehabilitation professionals and self-esteem. Additionally, an OTfunctioning and independence ofcan assist in addressing the many can work with recreation therapyresidents and assist in decreasing orcomplexities of a residents health and restorative care to recommendeliminating the effects of illness orand well-being, and make a lasting appropriate engagement approachesdisability. Activities conducted by thedifference to their quality of life and and activities for residents. Areasrecreation therapist can enhance andthat of their families. LTCTof function that can impact ADLs,complement the services provided by and that are addressed by OTs, canthe other therapy modalities.include mobility, positioning, physicalPTs help maintain and improveThis article was authored function, cognition, vision, hearing,physical function and mobility, whichby representatives of the and behaviour. can support fall prevention strategies.Stroke Network Provincial SLPs provide family membersPhysiotherapists can also addressCommunity and Long-Term and staff with techniques andother post-stroke complicationsCare Coordinators (Eileen Britt strategies to improve communicationsuch as pain, pressure ulcers, and(PT), Gwen Brown (RN), Margo and life participation, therebyurinaryincontinence. Collver (SW), and Alda Tee (PT) reducing social isolation. Aphasia (aKey findings from the 2018 Stroke language problem affecting talking,in collaboration with subject understanding, reading, and writing)Evaluation Report indicate thatmatter experts (TR, OT, SLP)). occurs frequently after stroke.residents with stroke in long-term Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)care have complex care needs. is a common complication afterBest practice highlights the need stroke. Speech language pathologistsfor an interdisciplinary approachFor a referenced copy or more conduct swallowing assessments andto care to maximize function andinformation, please contact: provide recommendations on dietimprove resident quality of life inGwen Brown, Stroke Network modifications and interventions tothispopulation. of Southeastern Ontario,support good nutrition, resident safety,Access to the appropriategwen.brown@kingstonhsc.ca.and quality of life.rehabilitation services can play a www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 39'