Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Backgrounder
St. John's Rehab is the only hospital in Ontario solely dedicated to specialized rehabilitation. Our stroke and neurological rehabilitation program is for patients who are recovering from strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and other neuro-degenerative diseases, recent neurosurgery and neuro-oncology.
- As a teaching hospital for the University of Toronto, we excel in teaching and researching rehabilitation care.
- We have established a Neuroscience Alliance with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care to advance research and ensure patients get the best neurological care when and where they need it.
- Program partners include the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Community Care Access Centre, Acquired Brain Injury Network, Alzheimer Association, The Aphasia Institute, Guillian-Barré Society, Hugh MacMillan Centre, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ontario March of Dimes and Stroke Recovery Association.
- The average length of stay for inpatients is four to six weeks.
- Our multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals develops realistic goals and timelines with each patient and keeps in close contact with the patient and his or her family. This helps achieve maximum recovery, independence and quality of life.
- Patients receive customized rehabilitation programs that address their individual health, social and emotional issues.
- Our program is Aphasia-friendly.
- We offer comprehensive education and support programs to help patients manage speech and cognitive impairments, maintain promote optimal health and wellness, and decrease risk of further stroke or brain injury.
- The individually customized program consists of assessment, treatment and support focused on the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
- Once discharged, patients can benefit from a seamless continuum of care by being referred to our outpatient rehabilitation program.
- Our highly skilled and committed multidisciplinary rehab team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, physicians, dietitians, social workers, psychologists and pastoral care.
Canadian stroke statistics
- According to Heart and Stroke Foundation:
- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada.
- Each year, about 16,000 Canadians die from stroke.
- Of every 100 people who have a stroke:
- 15 die,
- 10 recover completely,
- 25 recover with a minor impairment or disability,
- 40 are left with a moderate to severe impairment and
- 10 are so severely disabled they require long-term care.
- Stroke costs the Canadian economy $2.7 billion a year.
- The average acute care cost is about $27,500 per stroke.
- A 2007 study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, The Burden of Neurological Diseases, Disorders and Injuries in Canada, found:
- In 2004 – 2005, 46,570 Canadians were hospitalized due to stroke.
- A total of 941,184 days were spent in hospital due to stroke.
- In 2005 – 2006, stroke patients comprised 15.6 per cent of all rehabilitation patients in Ontario . These 5,060 patients spent a total of 198,520 days in rehabilitation facilities.
- According to HealthyOntario.com:
- After a stroke there is a 20 per cent chance that the survivor will have another within two years.
- After age 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.
St. John's Rehab stroke and neurological program patients (April 2006 – March 2007)
- Total inpatient beds: 31
- Inpatients admitted: 213
- Outpatient visits: 6,565
- Typical length of stay: Four to six weeks
- Average age of patients: 67 years
- Patients aged 55 or older: 78.4 per cent
- Gender of patients: 56.1 per cent male, 43.9 per cent female