Stages of stroke: a model for stroke rehabilitation

This article offers a model for stroke rehabilitation in both community and hospital settings which was developed as a result of observations made by staff working in both areas. It examines the effects of using more traditional models of stroke and neurological rehabilitation, where professional practice is more isolated, together with the effects of models for acquired brain injury that have identified positive outcomes. It was recognized by staff that a pragmatic model for stroke rehabilitation does not appear to be available. The Stages of Stroke model provides a 'map' with different routes to effective outcomes, helping those within stroke rehabilitation to recognize where they are and where they are going. It encourages a client-centred, not a service-centred programme.