Stroke Optimization Active Rehabilitation (SOAR) Program

The SOAR program is housed on the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Unit has 18 private rooms, 3 dayrooms, 3 nurses’ stations, and primary therapy areas nearby on the same floor. 

• The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Program provides medical, behavioral, functional, physical, psychosocial, vocational/pre-vocational, cognitive, emotional, and neuropsychological evaluations and therapies for patients following stroke. Education and support to patients and caregivers are provided during the stay.  
• The 360 Evaluation Program is a short inpatient stay for patients with chronic and long-term stroke related needs.  We help with daily living skills, techniques, and equipment. 
• The Respite Care Program is a short admission for Veterans with history of stroke. The discharge date is set prior to admission. Routine medical and nursing services are provided during the stay. Caregiver needs and education are also addressed.  

We maintain a full team of dedicated stroke specialists. The Centers serve as consultants to other facilities in the VA. . It is designed to provide intensive rehab to Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members who have had complex physical and/or mental health injuries.

Inpatient program: Building 38, Polytrauma, 2rd Floor

Our team of neurologic professionals have special training to enhance and restore function and quality of life to our patients. 

Multidisciplinary Team

• Family and Caregivers
• Rehabilitation Nurses 
• Physiatrists
• Social Work Case Managers 
• Neuropsychologists 
• Occupational Therapists 
• Physical Therapists
• Certified Orthotists and Prosthetists                 
• Psychologists 
• Assistive Technology Specialists 
• Audiologists 
• Speech-Language Pathologists 
• Adaptive Driving Instructors 
• Chaplain Services 
• Dietitians 
• Pain Management Specialists 
• Active-Duty Military Liaisons
• Vocational Rehabilitation 
• Recreations & Creative Arts Therapies 
• Vision Therapists 
• Psychiatrists 
• Aquatic Therapists 

*Other services are available as needed. 

We maintain a full team of dedicated neurologic specialists. 

Stroke Rehabilitation Physician

To help us best serve you, please request a consult from your Primary Care Doctor for “RMS Stroke Rehab Outpatient” Clinic phone: extension 1059

Dr. Joanna Tran will evaluate you and make appropriate referrals.

Referrals may include our Neuro Gait and Balance outpatient physical therapy specialty clinic or Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy(mCIMT) program through occupational therapy both located on Tampa VA main campus.

Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy(mCIMT) program: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an intensive occupational therapy program that demonstrates improvements in hand and arm recovery after a stroke. The mCIMT program provides, "intensive training for your stroke-affected hand (like ‘boot camp’), while your ‘good’ arm and hand are placed in a constraint ‘mitt’ (like a vacation for your less affected hand) " (Massie, 2014). - Full citation "Massie, L., Gibson, G., Vandenberg, A., & McCluskey, A. (2014). Modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) program: Participant workbook.  Sydney, Australia."

Outpatient Physical Therapy

There is a self-referral scheduling process for general outpatient Physical Therapy. Please see the attached flyer for the appropriate contact information. 

SOAR Program Outcomes 

2022 

Average improvement in overall functional abilities from admission to discharge was 26 points (based on the Functional Independence Measure [FIM]; national average was 24 points). Our patients receive at least 3 or more hours of therapy a day

High satisfaction at discharge: 100% of patients and/or caregivers reported overall satisfaction with staff, their treatment plan, the care received, length of stay, training provided, and overall progress.

Where did they go at discharge? 92% went to the community.

Where are they at 3 months after discharge?  100% of participants are still living in the community; 98% reported our rehabilitation program improved their quality of life, met their rehabilitation expectations, and prepared them for going home.

2023 for 3rd Quarter

Average improvement in overall functional abilities from admission to discharge was 27.3 points (based on the Functional Independence Measure [FIM]; national average was 24.6 points). Our patients receive at least 3 or more hours of therapy a day

High satisfaction at 3 months after discharge: 100% of patients and/or caregivers reported overall satisfaction with staff, their treatment plan, the care received, length of stay, training provided, and overall progress.

Where did they go at discharge? 100% went to the community. Compared to 80% nationally

2023 Annual data

Where are they at 3 months after discharge?  93% of participants are still living in the community

American Heart Association

American Heart Association 

Stroke Caregiver Support 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

National Caregiver Support Line

Toll-Free Number:

www.caregiver.va.gov 

RESCUE Home - Resources and Education for Stroke Caregivers' Understanding and Empowerment (va.gov)

RESCUE Stroke Caregiving

Center for Disease Control

(National Center for Injury Prevention and Control)

Phone: or

CDC Stroke

American Stroke Association – for stroke information

American Stroke Association