Recovering from a stroke is a journey that takes time, but with the right care and support, you can regain strength, mobility, and independence. At United Hebrew’s short-term rehabilitation center, the goal is clear: to help stroke survivors reclaim as much autonomy as possible. As Winston Loza, director of Rehabilitation at United Hebrew, puts it, “Our goal is to help all of our patients recover their independence through improved mobility, locomotion and the ability to perform activities of daily living.”

A strong rehabilitation program can make all the difference in recovery. United Hebrew has been recognized as a 2025 “Best Nursing Home” by U.S. News & World Report for both short-term rehabilitative care and long-term skilled nursing. Our short-term rehab patients return home earlier than average, with the majority transitioning back to their community, rather than a nursing home. We are also nationally recognized as a leading long-term care community, achieving the highest 5-star rating given by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Our short-term rehabilitation program offers a compassionate patient-centered approach that incorporates innovative therapies, multidisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge technology so our patients regain independence and can return to their home or assisted living.

The Phases of Stroke Rehabilitation

Every stroke patient’s recovery path is unique, depending on the severity of their stroke and the areas of the brain affected. According to Loza, United Hebrew therapists follow a structured approach to help patients recover:

Bed Mobility: The first milestone is helping patients sit up at the edge of their bed independently. This small but critical step allows them to eat, groom, and maintain hygiene without full assistance.
Transfer Ability: Once patients achieve sitting balance, the next step is transitioning from bed to wheelchair. Therapists work on standing tolerance and balance to build strength.
Walking Rehabilitation: When patients can support themselves, they begin weight shifting and walking exercises. “Our goal is to steadily improve their ability to stand with greater stability," Loza explains. "If one hand is significantly affected, we provide a hemi walker—specifically designed for individuals with limited or no use of one hand or arm—allowing them to confidently use their stronger side for support."

A common issue among stroke victims is dysphagia, a medical term for difficulty swallowing. According to Loza, United Hebrew’s speech therapy program for stroke patients with dysphagia focuses on restoring safe and effective swallowing while improving overall quality of life.

“With a personalized approach, our speech therapist designs targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat, enhance coordination, and implement strategies, such as posture adjustments and modified food textures to maximize patient safety and nutrition,” notes Loza.

The program includes in-house Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), allowing for precise assessment and tailored treatment plans. “Our speech therapist carefully evaluates each patient’s swallowing abilities, followed up with customized expert therapy, and caregiver education on safe feeding techniques.

“Through compassionate care and advanced diagnostic tools, we help patients regain independence in eating and drinking while preventing complications like aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition, adds Loza.”

For those affected by aphasia, a common stroke-related language disorder, speech therapists tailor strategies using visual aids, written communication, and picture boards. Some residents also benefit from assistive communication tablets, though many prefer traditional paper-based tools.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Stroke Recovery

Successful stroke recovery extends beyond physical therapy. Our multidisciplinary team, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists, along with nursing and dietary staff, collaborates holistically to address every aspect of a patient’s recovery. For instance, many stroke survivors experience difficulty chewing or swallowing, necessitating nutritional adjustments. “Dietary and speech therapy work together to ensure patients receive the proper sustenance to fully engage in therapy,” Loza notes. To enhance speech therapy interventions, we provide in-house Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) for precise assessment and treatment planning.

Additionally, proper evaluation for orthotic support is crucial in improving mobility. Assessing the need for devices such as an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) or knee support can significantly enhance standing stability and ambulation, allowing patients to regain independence more effectively. Furthermore, addressing pain effectively is essential, as conditions like shoulder dislocation caused by muscle weakness can significantly hinder progress.

Innovative Therapies & Engaging Technology

At United Hebrew, rehabilitation isn’t just about physical movement—it’s also about keeping patients motivated. Our therapy gym features specialized equipment to enhance recovery, including:

Standing Frames & Pulley Systems to help patients build tolerance for standing upright.
Interactive Technology such as Gait Training Systems and Jintronix Virtual Reality Games that encourage participation. “Most stroke patients go through depression and frustration,” Loza explains. “When they see something entertaining like an animated game, they tend to participate more.”
Group Therapy Sessions where stroke survivors with similar impairments work together, creating motivation and even friendly competition.

Group therapy with older adults stacking cups

Family Involvement & Long-Term Success

Loza stresses that one of the biggest hurdles in stroke rehab isn’t just physical—it’s navigating insurance limitations. “Most neurologists say, ‘Give it six months; what’s the rush?’ But managed care often limits coverage to four to six weeks,” Loza says. To address this, United Hebrew also trains families early on to ensure they can provide support at home if therapy is cut short.

“Stroke recovery extends beyond a rehab facility, and United Hebrew prioritizes family involvement, says Loza. “We always invite family members to observe sessions because they are more familiar with their loved one’s expressions and preferences.” Education and realistic goal setting help families support their loved ones effectively at home.

Why Choose United Hebrew for Stroke Rehabilitation?

When selecting a short-term rehab facility for stroke recovery, it’s important to ask the right questions. United Hebrew stands out because they have:

A high rate of successful discharges back home. Even for complex stroke cases, the majority of patients return to independent or assisted living.
Private rooms with scenic views, minimizing infections and distractions.
A fully renovated therapy gym with state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment.
A commitment to regaining independence, whether through walking, wheelchair mobility, or daily living skills.
Multidisciplinary collaboration to address physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery needs.
Cutting-edge rehab technology, including interactive and immersive therapy exercises and gait training systems.
Comprehensive family education and support to ensure a smooth transition home.

Take the Next Step in Stroke Recovery

As Loza reminds his patients, “This is not a race—it’s a marathon. Take one step at a time.” If you or a loved one needs stroke rehabilitation, contact United Hebrew today to learn more about our short-term rehab program and how we can help you regain independence.

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Or call us! 914-632-2804.

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