Occupational therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery at Catholic Health
In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, totaling over 795,000 cases each year. Even more startling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone dies from a stroke about every three minutes. A stroke cuts off oxygen to the brain, causing brain cells to die, which can lead to death or long-term disability if not treated promptly.
Strokes can result in speech difficulties, paralysis and cognitive challenges, making everyday tasks like bathing, dressing or eating difficult. That's why occupational therapy plays such a crucial role in the recovery process — helping stroke survivors regain their independence and adapt to life after a stroke.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals relearn basic tasks, improve impaired motor and sensory function and recommend home modifications to enhance safety and accessibility. They may also suggest adaptive equipment and work with families to support the patient's recovery at home.
'Occupational therapists play a key role in improving a patient's mental, physical and social well-being,' said Matthew Clifford, an occupational therapist in the Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. 'They also provide essential education to patients and their families to achieve the best outcomes and ensure a safe hospital discharge.'
As part of the stroke rehabilitation team, occupational therapists work alongside physical therapists and other caregivers. While physical therapy focuses on rebuilding strength and balance, occupational therapy emphasizes restoring cognitive function and everyday skills like cooking, grooming or driving. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to healing.
At Catholic Health, inpatient stroke rehabilitation services — including physical, occupational and speech therapy — are offered at Kenmore Mercy Hospital's Medical Rehabilitation Unit (MRU). MRUs provide a higher level of rehabilitation care for patients recovering from strokes, hip fractures or complications from neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. For those who require a different level of care based on their functional needs, Catholic Health also offers a wide range of subacute, outpatient and home care rehabilitation services across Erie and Niagara Counties.
Returning to everyday activities can be overwhelming for stroke survivors, especially when speech, vision or mobility are affected. Occupational therapists provide emotional support and teach strategies to navigate these challenges. They also assess home and work settings and recommend modifications to ensure smooth and safe transitions after a stroke.
Occupational therapists are more than care providers — they're essential partners in the recovery journey. Through evidence-based care and compassionate support, they help stroke survivors rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
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[6] Coelho, J., Samalin, L., Yrondi, A., Iftimovici, A., Philip, P., & Micoulaud-Franchi, J. A. (2025). La santé du sommeil comme marqueur et cible d'intervention dans les troubles psychiatriques [Sleep health as a marker and target for health interventions in psychiatric disorders]. Medicine sciences : M/S, 41(5), 477–489. [7] Wang, P., Chen, X., Na, M., Flores-Torres, M. H., Bjornevik, K., Zhang, X., Chen, X., Khandpur, N., Rossato, S. L., Zhang, F. F., Ascherio, A., & Gao, X. (2025). Long-Term Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Prodromal Features of Parkinson Disease. Neurology, 104(11), e213562. [8] Mondino, A., Jadidian, A., Toth, B. A., Hambrecht-Wiedbusch, V. S., Floran-Garduno, L., Li, D., York, A. K., Torterolo, P., Pal, D., Burgess, C. R., Mashour, G. A., & Vanini, G. (2025). Regulation of REM and NREM Sleep by Preoptic Glutamatergic Neurons. Sleep, zsaf141. Advance online publication.
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