Transitional Treatment

Long-term rehabilitation often takes place in the community rather than the controlled environment of a rehab facility. Transitional treatment for traumatic brain injury prepares the patient to return to the community after rehabilitation.

In addition to dealing with long-term physical injuries, one of the most important parts of transitional treatment involves reintegration of the patient into the family. Challenges may occur in terms of employment, finances, transportation, social life, and other areas. What was considered “normal” before the brain injury, may no longer be “normal.” Rejoining the family may involve learning to accept help and learning new roles for both the patient and family. In some cases, children may be actively involved in the care of a parent. If the patient is married, the roles of both spouses can change dramatically.

Disabilities from moderate to severe TBI can last a lifetime, and treatment may be appropriate many years after the injury. It’s important for survivors, their families, and caregivers to be involved in designing and putting into place a long-term care plan.