|
Brain Injury rehabilitation is immensely important. Why? Read on.
The term "rehabilitation" refers to a process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or social functional levels, thus providing them with the tools to change their lives towards a higher level of independence. Rehabilitation may include measures to provide and/or restore functions, or compensate for the loss or absence of a function or for a functional limitation. The rehabilitation process does not involve initial medical care. It includes a wide range of measures and activities from more basic and general rehabilitation to goal-oriented activities, for instance vocational rehabilitation (returning to work).
To understand the immense difficulties a victim potentially faces in the months and years ahead, read our book “Coping with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Aftermath.” Download it for free here.
For many, a lack of rehabilitation will undoubtedly reduce their level of independence and, ultimately, quality of life. Early intervention is associated with an improved outcome, irrespective of whether a full recovery takes place.
For example, in one study in 2005, 89% of patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury were able to work or study or participate in volunteer activities following an intensive, post-acute, interdisciplinary 6 week rehabilitation programme compared to only 55% of patients undergoing conventional rehabilitation through the general health care system.
The ultimate aim is to try to get back to some form of productivity including returning to work, because our work is ultimately what defines us. Some areas of concern that may impact upon a person with brain injury’s ability to find employment include:
Cognitive Issues:
· Memory and learning
· Ability to process new information
· Focus and concentration
· Decision making ability
· Sensory overload
· Organisational skills
· Planning skills
Behavioral/Emotional Issues:
· Depression and/or anxiety
· Difficulty reading social cues
· Lack of self-awareness
· Impulse control
· Impatience
· Mood swings
· Inflexibility
Physical and Perceptual Issues:
· Fatigue
· Weakness
· Headaches
· Difficulty with vision, hearing, or speech
· Balance
· Difficulty with motor or physical skills
Rehabilitation, and ultimately vocational rehabilitation, provided by experienced experts in the field, when you are ready, is the critical link to re-establishing a victim’s life definition. So, you can now appreciate it is immensely important.
Rehab4Life can help to facilitate this. And remember, if you are a victim, or you know someone who is, you are not alone.
|
|