After a cerebrovascular accident, which referral is most appropriate for a client with residual hemiparesis?

The referral to an inpatient rehabilitation unit is particularly appropriate for a client with residual hemiparesis following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke. Inpatient rehabilitation units provide intensive therapy services, which are crucial for individuals who have significant physical impairments. The goal of these facilities is to facilitate recovery and maximize the patient's independence through structured rehabilitation programs that include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and often speech therapy.

Individuals with hemiparesis require specialized support to regain strength, mobility, and functional abilities on the affected side of their body. Inpatient rehabilitation offers a comprehensive approach that involves a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that the client receives coordinated care tailored to their specific needs.

While other settings like home health-care agencies and outpatient therapy centers play important roles in ongoing recovery, they typically cater to individuals who are either stable or have less severe impairments. Long-term care facilities mainly focus on custodial care rather than intensive rehabilitation, making them less suited for someone in the early stages of recovery from a CVA. Therefore, the inpatient rehabilitation unit provides the most focused and intensive support necessary for optimal recovery in this situation.