| |
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM INPATIENT REHABILITATION
The goal of rehabilitation is to assist in improving quality of life, ability to move, communicate, take care of personal care, and return to family and community activities.
In Toronto, if a person requires specialized acquired brain injury rehabilitation they may be referred to one of the following rehabilitation hospitals (information about individual hospitals, their programs, and their approach can usually be found on their websites).
Below is a list of the inpatient rehabilitation facilities in Toronto:
These programs have doctors, nurses and therapists who are familiar with brain injury and know how to work with someone who may have cognitive, physical or behavioural challenges as a result of the brain injury.
If the person does not require specialized rehabilitation they may be referred to a more general rehabilitation program in a hospital closer to home. This decision is often based on whether there are significant cognitive and/or behavioural issues that require specially trained staff.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHILE IN INPATIENT REHABILITATION
Who is on the rehabilitation team and what is their role?
The following professionals may be on the rehabilitation team:
-
Audiologist: An audiologist assesses whether there is a hearing loss, the amount and area of damage and whether a hearing aid is required.
-
Behavioural Psychologist: A behavioural psychologist provides assessment and counseling to assist the patient and family in coping with changes in emotions and behaviours that sometimes result from brain injury (not all rehab programs have a Behavioural Psychologist).
-
Chaplain: A chaplain offers spiritual and religious care to the patient, family and friends.
-
Nurses: Nurses assist with day-to-day care, communicate with patient and family on a regular basis, and teach and support skills that may be needed. Nurses look after the health and well being of the patient and will dispense medication and medical care as ordered by the doctor.
-
Occupational Therapist: The occupational therapist (OT) provides assessment of and treats changes in thinking, physical, and perceptual skills that affect the ability to perform self-care activities, community living, work, and leisure. The OT will also recommend equipment that might be needed (e.g., wheelchair, grab bars).
-
Physiatrist/Physician: A physiatrist is a doctor of rehabilitation. Either a physiatrist or the unit physician is responsible for the medical care of the patient. The physiatrist or physician assesses and treats any medical concerns. He/She will prescribe medication and orthotic devices, initiate medical consultation, and will provide education about the effects of brain injury. The physician or physiatrist will assist in coordinating discharge to the community, ensuring medical follow-up as needed.
-
Physiotherapist: A physiotherapist assesses physical changes that limit independence. This includes return of movement, strength, coordination, balance, walking, and exercise ability.
-
Psychologist/Neuropsychologist: Psychologists and/or neuropsychologists provide assessment to identify changes in thinking abilities and personality that may arise from brain injury. Feedback, education, and consultation will be provided to help everyone understand and cope with the changes and assist in planning the return to daily activities.
-
Social Worker: The role of the Social Worker is to support the family as they adjust to this new stage of recovery. The social worker will provide supportive counseling and will help you understand what is happening, what you need to plan for, and what to expect. The social worker will help in planning for discharge, will make referrals to other resources (such as outpatient therapy or community support). Some programs have Discharge Planners who will assist with this task.
-
Speech Language Pathologist: A speech-language pathologist assesses and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing impairments. This may include difficulties in understanding, talking, reading, writing, and thinking.
Some rehab programs also have Recreation Therapists or Rehab Therapists who assist in the implementation of therapy goals through daily activities and leisure activities.
Some programs have Neuropsychiatrists who provide support to people who are struggling with mental health issues after a brain injury such as depression or anxiety. They can prescribe medication and know what type of medication is best for someone who has had a brain injury.
What does rehabilitation involve?
After admission, staff will assess the person's abilities and areas affected by the acquired brain injury to determine the type of therapy/intervention required.
A typical day may include therapy sessions, support group and education groups, and therapeutic recreation. Depending on the level of fatigue there may be rest periods scheduled into the day. All team members work closely together to share goals and make sure they are carried over into everyday activities.
There are many different methods of therapy that may be used to achieve rehabilitation goals:
-
Direct therapy (1:1, group sessions and or a therapy assistant.)
-
Indirect therapy (carrying out therapy goals in daily activities and routines to generalize skills.)
-
Family education and home programming (strategies and activities that can be carried out at home.)
-
Consultation to caregivers, school and other community supports.
-
Providing tools to support communication (a book of pictures used to express needs, or a journal to record their day.)
- Assisting in setting up supports in your community.
*Source: Toronto Rehab Brain Injury Service Patient Handbook and Bloorview Kids Rehab Neurorehabilitation Program Family Guide
Who pays for rehabilitation?
The cost of rehabilitation services may be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), automobile insurance, or private disability insurance. The costs associated with Inpatient rehabilitation are most often covered by OHIP.
What is the difference between pediatric, adult and geriatric rehabilitation programs?
Rehabilitation for youth and children (pediatric rehabilitation) takes into account that children are still changing and developing – physically and psychologically. As a result, their rehabilitation needs are quite different from those of adults. Families also play a greater role in a child's rehabilitation process.
Rehabilitation for the elderly (geriatric rehabilitation) takes into account factors more common in an older population, such as chronic medical problems, reduced mobility or physical functioning or impaired cognition.
*Source: GTA Rehab Network Rehab Finder http://www.gtarehabnetwork.ca/RehabFinder.asp
|
