The first 3-6 months is most critical to the rehabilitation of stroke patients.  Making good use of this prime time improves the rehabilition outcome.  The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation adopted the  International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model since 2021, providing stroke patients with comprehensive and personalized assessment.  Unlike conventional rehabilitation approach, the ICF model aims to help patients overcome barriers they will encounter in daily life and increase their social participation by equipping them with community living skills. The Society’s therapists will even accompany service users to undertake on-site rehabilitation training in the community to help them reintegrate into society as soon as possible.

For example, if daily chores like cleansing and food acquisition are the essential tasks of a housewife who suffered from stroke, instead of just teaching the lady how to walk, the therapist will go the extra mile by coaching how to perform those tasks also.  Program will be designed to teach her how to cross the road and visit the market.

Over 250 stroke patients have participated in the HKSR ICF rehabilitation services so far.  Among them, 55% were aged under 60.  Most of the participants had their mobility, balancing, self-care, and daily living abilities improved satisfactorily.

Dr. Chow Siu-lun Eddie, member of the Rehabilitation Committee recently shared the new approach in Now TV health documentary “Medicine Online”.  The full interview can be viewed HERE.  (Available in Chinese only)

To know more about our stroke rehabilitation services, please call us at 2534-3535 or email to enquiry@rehabsociety.org.hk.