Life after a stroke may be full of uncertainties due to the new changes in physical, cognitive and emotional abilities, and daily activities. Here, we break things down for you to guide you along your recovery journey.
The 'Golden Period' of Recovery
Did you know that the first 3 to 6 months after a stroke are crucial for stroke recovery?
This period is characterised by the most rapid and significant improvements in motor skills and other functions as the brain undergoes neuroplasticity. In other words, in most cases, the brain can best relearn functions affected by stroke (e.g. walking, dressing, speech, etc) during this period, resulting in better rehab outcomes.
Stroke-focused rehabilitation is thus critical in the first few months after a stroke to maximise recovery potential.
Roadmap to Stroke Recovery
- Discharge from acute care
- Receive referral to S3 from the following channels:
- Private walk-in
- Hospital / Polyclinic
- Request your doctor/social worker to raise an AIC referral to S3 for you. AIC will process the referral and contact you to confirm your interest to S3 before referring your application to S3.
- Social Service Agency (SSA)
- Request your therapist/social worker to raise an AIC referral to S3 for you. AIC will process the referral and contact you to confirm your interest to S3 before referring your application to S3.
- *Note: A doctor’s referral letter is required for all channels.
- Attend Initial Assessment with S3
- Attend scheduled stroke rehabilitation sessions
- Re-assessment with S3 therapy team after 6 months
- Discharge from active rehab at S3
- Reintegration into the community OR join S3’s Wellness Programmes!
Note: As the effects of stroke are unique to each individual, the recovery journey may also be different for each person.
Essentials to Your Recovery Journey
The road to stroke recovery will involve various people who want to help you, such as your doctor, social worker, therapy team, family and friends, and more. However, you can take some simple steps below to help yourself towards recovery too!
Reframing Mindsets (Corrective Thinking)
- Believing in your own recovery potential can make a huge difference! Self-motivation has shown to drive positive physiological changes, such as better moods and enhanced performance during rehab.
- Allow others to support you. Having encouragement and support from others will help you feel less alone in your recovery journey and improve psychosocial wellbeing.
- Focus on yourself. Refrain from comparing your journey to someone else’s as the road to recovery will be different for everyone.
Adjusting Habits (Corrective Training)
- Stretch every morning! Stretching can warm up your muscles to regain strength and get you ready for the day.
- Pay attention to your affected side. Try to use your affected hand or foot as much as possible in your daily activities so that you don’t forget about it!
Safeguarding Yourself (Corrective Behaviour)
- At home
- Keep the floor clear of objects to prevent tripping.
- Keep a lamp or nightlight nearby your bed. Switch it on when you have to get up at night so that you can see the floor clearly.
- In the bathroom
- Install railings or grab bars in your house bathrooms to help you move around safely.
- Use non-slip bath mats to reduce risk of slipping.
- When outdoors
- Do not rush and move at a comfortable pace.
Tips to Reduce Risk of Recurrent Stroke
A stroke puts you at higher risk of encountering another stroke, but you can reduce the chance of this happening by controlling the risk factors. Below are some simple ways that can lower stroke risk:
- Exercise (as recommended by your therapy team!)
Note: Not all exercises are suited for everyone. Consult your therapy team for advice before trying out a new exercise.
- Control hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and/or diabetes, which are the three main causes of stroke
- Making positive lifestyle changes
- Stop or reduce smoking habits
- Limit alcohol intake
- Adopting healthy eating habits
- Take medicine as prescribed by your doctor
Remember: spot stroke F.A.S.T.!

Source: HealthHub.sg
Useful Resources
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