Objective The objective of this study was to ascertain if cognition helps to predict functional outcome in older comorbid stroke patients with severe loss of independence. Design This is a cross‐sectional study. Subjects The subjects of this study are patients who have suffered a stroke and who rehabilitated in the nursing homes' rehabilitation units and patients (n = 160) (mean age: 77; SD: 9.5) with a mean Barthel Index of 11.02. Method Demographic, illness‐related, functional and cognitive data were selected at baseline. Main Assessment Measures Functional abilities were tested using the Barthel Index. Cognitive functions were assessed using a wide variety of neuropsychological tests. Results Patients faced cognitive impairments especially in executive functioning and memory. Stepwise linear regression analysis shows that executive functioning (p = 0.050) and memory (p = 0.000; confidence interval −1.255, −0.403) are significantly associated with functional outcome. Conclusion From a clinical point of view, we suggest combining physical and cognitive training from the very early phase of recovery.