A stroke can affect movement, communication, thinking and everyday activities in different ways. Rehabilitation needs are individual, so decisions about care should be made with the person's stroke team. This guide is a checklist for conversations with health professionals; it does not assess anyone's needs or recommend a particular clinic.

The NICE stroke rehabilitation guideline describes needs-based rehabilitation involving a multidisciplinary team. The NHS explains that a recovery plan may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language support, cognitive rehabilitation and other care depending on the person's needs. Ask the treating team which services are appropriate in your situation.

Questions to ask

1. Who is coordinating the plan? Ask for the stroke team's current recommendations, the main contact for questions and how follow-up will be arranged.
2. Which professionals will be involved? Ask who will provide each part of the plan, their relevant qualifications and experience, and how the different parts of care fit together.
3. How will goals and progress be reviewed? Ask how goals will be agreed with the person, how progress will be discussed and when the plan may be adjusted.
4. How will individual communication or cognitive needs be supported? Ask what adjustments are available, whether information can be provided in an accessible format and how family or carers can be involved if the person wishes.
5. How will providers coordinate with the NHS team? If you are considering private or community support, ask how it will complement the existing plan and whether the stroke team should approve it first.
6. What are the practical arrangements? Confirm location, transport, accessibility, costs, cancellation terms and what to do if the person's needs change.

Keep specialist care at the centre

General fitness coaching is not a substitute for specialist stroke rehabilitation. Before adding exercise outside the agreed care plan, discuss it with the treating stroke team and follow their guidance. A suitable service should be clear about its scope and should not promise a particular recovery result.

Further reading: NHS: Recovering from a stroke · NICE: Stroke rehabilitation in adults.