Stroke Rehabilitation

[CLETA]

My mother, 87 years old, had a stroke 5/2/08.  She was in excellent health before the stroke; they think an episode of atrial fibrillation (that wasn't detected) caused the stroke.  It was a moderate to severe stroke.  Left side affected.  She is in therapy; has regained some movement in arm and leg/ toes and fingers.  The movement is slighter though in her arm.  

She can speak and comprehend (most of the time) and is finally starting to eat.

My question is; does this sound like good progress considering her age, etc?   Has anyone experiened a loved ones rehabilation from stroke at this age? What can we expect?

[Dr_Aparna]

Hello!
For a stroke survivor, the rehabilitation goal is to be as independent and productive as possible. That may mean improving physical abilities. Often old skills have been lost and new ones are needed.
It seems like your mother has made remarkable progress.Considering her age it is quite remarkable.
A person's family has a key role in rehabilitation. A caring and able spouse or partner can be one of the most important positive factors in rehabilitation. Family members' knowledge also helps a lot.
Family members need to understand what the stroke survivor has been through and how disabilities can affect the person. It will be easier for them to handle the situation if they know what to expect and how to handle problems that arise after the person leaves the hospital.
ref:http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4713.
For stroke information, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE.

[oc1dean]

In less than a month she has a lot of function, so she is far ahead of a lot of stroke survivors. Make sure she keeps working all of the various muscles that are responding now so she doesn't lose them through non-use. I'm two years post-stroke and barely able to move my arm and nothing in my fingers.
Dean