[Results of neurorehabilitation. An outcome study 20 months after stroke]

65 stroke survivors who were discharged home after completing an in-patient rehabilitation program were evaluated at home 20 months post-stroke by physiotherapists. 59 patients (91%) still lived in the community. Functional abilities remained stable with only 11% deteriorating and 25% improving in basal activities of daily living (BADL). 58% of patients needed assistance for at least one BADL and 46% showed signs of impaired cognition. Falls occurred in more than half of patients. Rehospitalisation was common (31%). Aside from living partners, care was provided by relatives in 58% and by home services in 46%. 25% of patients attended day care. Nearly half of patients still received rehabilitative therapy, especially if marked initial deficit was present. In conclusion, 20 months post stroke the majority of survivors who have completed rehabilitation successfully experience persistent limitations but remain in a stable functional status. This seems to be true for more severely disabled patients, too, if rehabilitative therapies, home services and day care are consequently provided.