Stroke services at Gaylord are designed to meet the needs of people of all ages who have had a stroke. Inpatient and outpatient services are available. Individualized therapy programs deal with impairments caused by stroke such as:

• partial paralysis
• speech loss
• swallowing problems
• perceptual or visual problems

The clinical staff is experienced in treating stroke patients who may have complications such as heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. A physician is available 24 hours a day to handle medical emergencies. Gaylord's staff is particularly skilled in dealing with complex cases that may involve more than one disability.

An Early Recovery program is available for patients who are not yet able to tolerate an aggressive therapy schedule, but are expected to progress to a traditional, intensive rehabilitation program.

Our nurses reinforce the skills gained during regular therapy sessions. Speech and language problems are addressed by the hospital's Communication Disorders Department, and physical and occupational therapy provide the systems and guidance they need for learning to walk again, regaining upper body strength and coordination, and relearning self-care and home management skills.

Specialized services are available to the stroke patient at Gaylord, including:

• swallowing therapy
• special diets
• videofluoroscopy
• computer-assisted therapy
• psychological counseling
• chaplaincy services
• aquatic therapy

Gaylord has a highly aggressive rehabilitation program called Young Stroke for the patient of any age who led a very active life before his or her stroke. Most of the patients in this program return home after a brief stay at the hospital, and nearly all continue with outpatient therapy. Therapies take advantage of the greater energy and resilience of these patients.

Gaylord offers a well-organized outpatient follow-up program, and patients are encouraged to return four to six weeks after discharge to ensure that optimal progress is being made.

Education and support for patients and their families play vital roles in the program. Committed to helping patients and their families learn about stroke and its repercussions, Gaylord offers a strong educational program that includes support groups, lecture series, publications and family conferences with staff.

Program Highlights

• More than 30 years of experience in the successful rehabilitation of people with stroke.
• Transitional Living offers supervised environments for recovering stroke patients to practice problem-solving techniques, enhance social skills and sharpen employment skills before returning to home, work or the community.
• An intensive aphasia day program serves those who have developed a speech-language impairment resulting from stroke or other acquired brain injury.
• A cognitive day program is a structured group program for patients with cognitive deficits. Memory skills, vocational issues, fitness, academic and psychosocial therapies, and community reintegration are addressed.
• Gaylord's Aquatic Therapy Program utilizes water-based treatment techniques to:
  • Increase joint range of motion
  • Relieve pain and muscle spasms
  • Improve functional ability
  • Build self-confidence

More Information

Stroke Program information

Program Brochure
Public Relations, or call 1.866.GAYLORD, extension 2829

Admissions Office
Admissions, or call 1.866.GAYLORD, extension 2810, or 203.284.2810
Fax: 203.284.2811
Write: Admissions Office, Gaylord Hospital,
P.O. Box 400, Wallingford, CT 06492