AnMed Health Rehabilitation Hospital encourages the community to get treatment for stroke despite worries of COVID-19

ANDERSON, S.C., May 26, 2020– According to a recent joint statement released from major health organizations, including the American Heart Association, hospitals around the country have noted a drop in the number of stroke admissions, but that does not mean there is a drop in the number of strokes occurring. It’s only proving that strokes, which affect more than 795,000 people in the United States each year, are going undiagnosed and untreated because people are afraid of visiting hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strokes are still occurring and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to a patient’s long term success. Common symptoms of stroke can be identified with the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurring and Time to call 911. Time is not only crucial for diagnosis and treatment; it’s also vital for the recovery period. Patients who start rehabilitation early have better outcomes and will reach a higher functional level. To help stroke survivors regain lost functions including walking, speech, swallowing, bowel and bladder, memory and vision, two-thirds of survivors need rehabilitation services.

“It’s important that you seek immediate medical attention if you start experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of stroke,” said Denise Murray, CEO at AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital. “As a provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, we understand the difference this makes in our patients’ outcomes. Getting prompt treatment is important when trying to regain strength and targeting common stroke deficits including speech, walking and motor skills.”

According to the 2016 adult stroke rehabilitation guidelines released by the American Heart Association, whenever possible, stroke patients should be treated at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, like AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital rather than a skilled nursing facility. While at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, a patient participates in at least three hours of rehabilitation a day, five days a week from physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Additionally, nurses are available 24/7 and doctors make frequent visits with the patients to assess their progress.

About AnMed Health Rehabilitation Hospital

AnMed Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture between AnMed Health Rehabilitation Hospital and Encompass Health, is a 60-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Serving patients throughout upstate South Carolina, the hospital is located 1 Springback Way in Anderson, South Carolina and on the Web atwww.anmedrehab.com.

About Encompass Health

As a national leader in integrated healthcare services, Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) offers both facility-based and home-based patient care through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies and hospice agencies. With a national footprint that includes 134 hospitals, 245 home health locations, and 83 hospice locations in 37 states and Puerto Rico, the Company is committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, integrated care across the healthcare continuum. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter and Facebook.