Abstract: Objective To investigate the long-term outcome of old stroke patients after rehabilitation. Methods 25 old hospitalized patients with first attack of stroke in recovery were followed up with Mini-mental Status Examination (MMSE), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Brunnstrom stages of hemiplegia, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM) in hemiplegic ankle, manual muscle test (MMT) of quadriceps femoris, Berg balance scale (BBS), modified Barthel index (BI) and the Zarit burden interview (ZBI) for caregiver before rehabilitation, discharge, 6 and 12 months after discharge. Results The Brunnstrom stages of lower limbs, MAS of upper limbs improved (P<0.05) after 3-month rehabilitation in hospital, as well as the scores of BBS, BI and ZBI. As 6 and 12 months in home, the limb function remained stable, while the scores of BBS, MMSE, BI, SAS, and ZBI improved, but SDS fluctuated (P<0.05). Conclusion It is important to offer the long-term rehabilitation or consultation service when advocating old stroke patients early return to family or community, including psychological support and intervention.

Key words: stroke, recovery stage, elderly, rehabilitation, home living, functional assessment, burden of caregiver