Dorothy: Home After Stroke

A UNC Health Lenoir Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Success Story

Dorothy’s husband brought her to UNC Health Lenoir after she suddenly developed left-sided weakness, a facial droop, and difficulty speaking. She was diagnosed with an acute stroke and was treated in the hospital and then transferred to the UNC Health Lenoir Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. On admission, Dorothy was still very weak and required significant help to take care of herself and move around. She was also having difficulty communicating with family and caregivers. She began working with the team in the rehabilitation unit and made excellent progress. In less than two weeks her mobility had improved and she was communicating much better. No longer requiring assistance to get in and out of bed and completing most tasks with minimal assistance, she was able to go home with her husband to complete her recovery.

“Everyone on this team works with you and encourages you", Dorothy shared. “When I first got here I could not move my left arm and I can now raise both hands over my head and use them without help! The therapists challenged me to use new equipment to put on my socks, to practice walking up steps as I have at home, and to get into a car. Working with the team for three hours was manageable because they let me take breaks. The whole team, including the doctors, supported me daily saying “You can do it!”

Functional Outcomes Measures

UNC Health Lenoir Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

100 Airport Road • Kinston, North Carolina 28501

252-522-7785 phone • 502-212-8508 fax

IN TDD/TTY# 800.735.8200 - unclenoir.org