Individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their families need to be well-informed about the injury and the likely course of rehabilitation and recovery. TBI and long-term management complexities require a multidisciplinary approach (Box 6-3).
Ideally, all persons with a TBI can access rehabilitation and support services designed to address their unique needs. Unfortunately, many barriers to this goal remain, including the need for insurance preauthorization and a lack of beds in rehabilitation facilities. Additionally, some providers may not consider a person with TBI who has severe deficits in cognition, balance or movement to be medically appropriate for admission to their facility.
Services for Injury Recovery: Specialized Care for Faster Recovery
Services for Injury Recovery can include programs that involve staying in a hospital or nursing home for several weeks or months. Alternatively, rehabilitation can also be offered as an outpatient program with health workers visiting your home or coming to you at a clinic or other setting for treatment. Outpatient rehabilitation may also be provided by private health insurers who offer rebates on the cost of rehabilitation.
Those with work injuries need to be able to return to their jobs as quickly and safely as possible. Often, this requires the help of occupational or physical therapists. These professionals can teach people how to manage their daily work tasks and organize workplace accommodations to allow them to continue their careers. Some facilities also provide vocational rehabilitation services that help persons with TBI identify career interests, obtain education and training, find jobs, and apply for them. They may even organize peer mentoring and support groups.