Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
We provide rehabilitation services to address the goals of adults with lived experience of stroke who have functional limitations and who have the potential to optimize their function, after they have been discharged to the community. The program also works with patients from the community referred by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, who identify new rehabilitation goals as they continue their recovery.
Stroke rehabilitation can help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Patients receive comprehensive, individualized assessments and therapy plans. Therapies are delivered in an environment that is designed to reinforce and consolidate new skills.
Working closely with our patients and their loved ones, the interprofessional rehabilitation team establishes a comprehensive, individualized therapeutic treatment plan that aims to maximize independence.
Admission Criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- Onset of stroke <6 months
- Valid OHIP card (*those without an OHIP card may still be considered for services, please contact Bruyère Health)
- Tolerates a minimum of 60 minutes of daily therapy (virtual or in person)
- Demonstrated ability to learn and carry over information (FIM > 80 or AFIM >80)
- SMART goals that are achievable in 8–12-week period
- Able to manage toileting independently or has a support caregiver to provide assistance during rehabilitation sessions
Program Structure
The Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program at Bruyère Health Élisabeth-Bruyère Hospital is integrated with the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program at Home & Community Care Support Services Champlain, operating as one program in the Ottawa area. We offer a bilingual inter-professional program that provides specialized stroke rehabilitation.
The team includes the following specialists:
- Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and treatment of patients whose functional abilities have been impaired.
- Registered Nurses (RN) provide coordination of patient care needs to both the Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation team and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinics. This is achieved through triage of patient needs to both services. The RN acts as a system navigator and is a resource to patients.
- Physiotherapists (PT) are movement specialists. They establish a treatment plan that focuses on regaining strength, coordination, and balance to increase mobility and independence. They can also work with clients to improve cardiovascular health post stroke.
- Occupational Therapists (OT) are the activity specialists. They establish an individual treatment plan that focuses on the return to usual and meaningful daily activities and occupations, by providing tools and techniques to improve the client’s skills. They also recommend assistive devices and equipment to improve independence.
- Rehab Assistants help the OTs and PTs with exercise plans and provide support to the client during their treatment sessions.
- Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) are experts in communication and swallowing difficulties – this might include things like speaking, understanding, reading & writing among others. They complete assessments and provide individualized therapy and strategies to help the client, their family members, and caregivers.
- Social Workers (SW) specialize in making connections and referrals; they provide support and work together with the client and their loved ones / caregivers to develop strategies to ensure there is appropriate care and support in place.
- Neuropsychologists provide a more detailed evaluation of memory and other thinking skills. When appropriate, they also offer a cognitive rehabilitation training program.
Program length
The inter-professional team works closely with the client and caregivers to set goals and implement a personalized therapeutic program that can last up to 8 -12 weeks. Clients typically attend therapy twice per week. The duration of the program will vary, based on the individual needs and goals of the client.
Rehab Referral Process
Referrals are received from:
If you are an acute care provider in Ottawa and wish to refer a patient to the Integrated Bruyère Health Outpatient Stroke / Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program, please complete the Outpatient & Community Stroke Rehabilitation Programs Referral Form. (Do you need this information in another format? This document is in PDF format. If you need this information in a different format, please ask us. We will work with you to create the format that’s best for you. We are happy to support the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). Please send your request to communications@bruyere.org or call 613-562-6262.)
*Note: Family physicians wishing to refer their client to the outpatient stroke rehabilitation program must first refer to the Bruyère Health Élisabeth-Bruyère Hospital's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic where a physiatrist will evaluate the client and determine eligibility to the program.
Referral inquiries can be directed to: Stroke Navigator (HCCSS) 613-745-5525 ext5875 (toll free 1-800-538-0520 ext. 5875)
Referrals can be faxed to: 613-745-8243
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact us at Bruyère Health
Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program
75 Bruyère St, room 321Y
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8
Tel.: 613-562-6262, ext. 1758
Fax: 613-562-6312
Program Coordinator: 613-562-6262 ext 1007