Overcoming Barriers: Telerehabilitation for Subacute Stroke in an Elderly Woman with Low Economic Status

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the main causes of long-term disability. Getting proper and consistent rehabilitation in the golden time of stroke recovery phase plays a vital role in optimizing functional outcomes. However, people with low socioeconomic backgrounds often meet obstacles to get the proper rehabilitation, including financial restrictions, accommodation problems, and geographic isolation. Telerehabilitation breaks down those barriers by providing remote access to rehabilitation programs.

Objective: To assess the impact of telerehabilitation on older women with subacute stroke facing socioeconomic barriers.

Case: An elderly woman suffered from subacute hemorrhagic stroke with dominant-side hemiplegia, sensory and cognitive impairment. Due to economic and rural living limitations, telerehabilitation was conducted through home-based caregiver-assisted exercises and provided with simple tools for six weeks. The programs included standing and walking exercises, as well as sensory and self-care activity training. Improvement in muscle power, trunk control, mobility, and self-care function were observed after 6-week telerehabilitation.

Conclusion: The outcome improvement in this case study showed that telerehabilitation could be effectively applied to patients facing financial and geographic challenges, thus providing access to appropriate rehabilitation programs.