Stroke Prevention
R E H A B I L I T A T I O N

Blurry vision. Numbness and tingling in your arm, leg or face. Dizziness. Weakness or clumsiness in an arm or leg. Drooping facial muscles. Sudden confusion. Trouble speaking or understanding. These are all signs or symptoms of a potential stroke, a.k.a. brain attack!!!

Rebecca Whitehead is raising two therapy dogs, Nina and Ginny, to assist a disabled person with their daily activities. She is pictured in the ESTEEM gym with Mandy Cilliers, Occupational Therapist.

Time is of the essence. Go immediately to the Emergency Room. The sooner a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the potential for recovery.

Winter Haven Hospital specializes in treating people with strokes. From the Emergency Room to acute care, to the Joy-Fuller Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, to the ESTEEM Outpatient Program you can be confident that your maximum recovery is our goal.

In 2004 the ESTEEM Outpatient Neurological Program has treated 113 people who have the aftereffects of a stroke, including paralysis of a limb, speech problems, or cognitive dysfunction.

One such person is Rebecca Whitehead, a former college professor, who has made remarkable progress following a ruptured brain aneurysm and near drowning. After surgery, she was admitted to the Joy-Fuller Rehabilitation Center (JFRC) at Winter Haven Hospital. Rebecca’s first memories are of her third week at JFRC as she emerged from her coma. “I felt loved and safe when everything was still so confusing” she remembers. “When they discharged me home, I again was frightened and confused, so continuing my therapy at ESTEEM Outpatient Center was a life saver, giving me a safe haven in which to grow.”

Rebecca continues, “The first time I was aware of doing something intelligent occurred on one of the ESTEEM outings to the Farmer’s Market when I was able to figure out how to get drinks for everyone. The outings were fun, but also learning
experiences.” Upon discharge from the ESTEEM program Rebecca wanted to try to return to work, so the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation referred her to ESTEEM Vocational Services. She received assistance to identify jobs that she could do and then help to find a job. Rebecca persevered and conquered self-doubt, anxiety, memory problems and fatigue to find a job through Americorps tutoring school children. She explains that she once again feels like she is“ giving back” to society. All the pieces of the rehabilitation continuum, in addition to strong family support, were important to Rebecca’s recovery.

ESTEEM Outpatient Program offers a team approach to assist patients and family members to understand and adjust to life after a “brain attack.” Our therapists are specialized in neuro-rehabilitation and can expertly address the complex needs that arise with a stroke. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Neuropsychological and vocational assistance are available to help the patient during the recovery period.

The Rehabilitation Services team at Winter Haven Hospital wants people to understand the signs of a stroke. Treat a “brain attack” as you would a heart attack. Go to the Emergency Room immediately. Help is available.

Winter Haven Hospital Rehabilitation Services are accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We are proud to note that we received a three-year accreditation in June 2004 , noting our exceptional customer service and patient satisfaction. For more information on stroke prevention and rehabilitation contact us at (863) 292-4060.