Time matters with stroke, according to the article. Recognizing warning signs and calling 911 quickly can help people get time-sensitive treatment. Rehabilitation should ideally begin within 48 hours after a person is medically stable, according to the 2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery from the American Stroke Association.
Lorie Gage Richards, Ph.D., volunteer chair of the new guideline, said stroke rehabilitation is complicated and that care should be personalized. Her stated goal is to help people gain as much independence as possible in everyday activities and improve their quality of life. The American Heart Association's 2026 statistics say about 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke each year.
The article advises survivors and caregivers to ask a healthcare team about a comprehensive assessment, set small and achievable goals, and build a rehabilitation plan around what matters to the patient. It also notes that some challenges are not visible, such as lost confidence, trouble concentrating, anxiety, depression, pain and sleep problems. Patients can ask their care team to assess physical and emotional health.