Tuesday August 5, 2025
The Early Stroke Discharge (ESD) program at Eastern Health is Victoria’s only at-home stroke rehabilitation service offering both hospital substitution and community-based care.
“ESD is designed to give patients the benefits of inpatient-level rehab, but in their own home. It combines the intensity of structured rehabilitation with the incidental opportunities that naturally occur at home like helping with cooking, navigating their own bathroom or playing with their children,” ESD Team Leader, Lucy Akroyd explained.
The program tailors care to each mild to moderate stroke survivor, offering up to six days of intensive, multi-disciplinary therapy per week, including physio, speech and occupational therapy, along with support from a social worker, neuropsychologist, clinical stroke nurse specialist and rehabilitation consultant.
Just over a month ago, Greg Foot suffered a stroke whilst out at the park with his son, affecting the left side of his body.
After being treated at Eastern Health Box Hill, Mr Foot was able to return home and continue his care in familiar surroundings thanks to the Early Stroke Discharge (ESD) program.
“I was in the hospital for a week in the stroke clinic at Box Hill, all the staff really understood what I was going through. I was keen to get home. At the same time, it’s like stepping into the unknown. The team ran some tests to make sure I was safe to go home.
“A nurse came and explained everything about the ESD program. Having something in place so you’re not stuck in that uncertainty for too long and knowing I was entering a specialist program made a big difference,” Mr Foot said.
Evidence shows that appropriate stroke survivors recover faster and more effectively at home where they sleep better, regain skills in a familiar environment, eat their usual diet and are surrounded by loved ones.
“In a hospital, there’s buzzers and announcements going all the time and one of the biggest problems I had in hospital was sleep. I really value being comfortable in my own home and surroundings. I’ve got a six-year-old as well, so coming home was the number one priority for me.
“I really appreciated how targeted and intensive the program is; you’re working with dedicated professionals who specialise in stroke recovery. They motivate and meet you where you’re at. Also, the fact that you can’t drive for the first month after an event like this and having the team come to your home so regularly is a massive help. The team keeps supporting you as you progress and adapts the exercises from general to more specific, down to targeting muscle groups that need extra work,” Mr Foot said.
The holistic approach of the program has meant that Mr Foot has been able to both physically and mentally rehabilitate in the comfort of his own home.
“The stroke itself and the aftermath were incredibly distressing, so having emotional support from the nurse, psychologist and social worker made a huge difference. The program’s approach gives you real progress and genuine hope for full recovery,” Mr Foot said.
