Guidelines for Rehabilitative Services
Michael Langford, CBIS Clinical Examiner

In looking for quality rehabilitation for a loved one or establishing guidelines for individuals who provide care for persons with acquired brain injury, there are several factors which should be reviewed: the level of care, type of rehabilitative service provided, geographic location, and funding.

As a family member or caregiver, you should feel free to ask the treatment team or medical personnel any question. Consistent and regular communication between all parties involved is essential, especially if there will be long distances involved or gaps between visits. Know your rights as a caregiver and make sure to fully evaluate several points before making a final decision.

The facility should be clean and well cared for. Does it offer a warm, home-like atmosphere, or is it a sterile, clinical environment? Do the residents express pride in their surroundings? What about morale? Do participants appear happy and safe? Make sure to tour the facility and get a good idea about what actually goes on there. This will also give you an opportunity to meet staff members and observe their interactions with others.

The treatment team will be your loved one’s primary caregivers and second family, at least for the time he or she is in rehabilitation. Safety should be the highest priority. Each staff member should be a caring individual who recognizes and respects your loved one as a worthwhile individual.

Staff members involved in the rehabilitation of participants with an acquired brain injury should be properly trained. Training should be extensive, thorough, and ongoing. Ask for evidence of employee training. It should be documented and measurable.

Developing an appropriate treatment plan for your loved one is fundamental for overall success and progress. The plan should be tailor-made to suit each participant’s abilities, deficits, and needs. Treatment goals should be unique to each individual.

Treatment plans should be flexible; rigid goals do not allow room for growth, change, or implementation of new and creative ideas. A treatment plan must involve input from the participant, family members or caregivers, the
treatment team, and any professionals involved in his care.

Psychiatric treatment should also be addressed where needed. Medical care should always be available.

Just as important as the treatment plan is the discharge plan. Discharge planning should begin at admission. If the desired end result is known and stated, a more appropriate treatment plan and objectives can be implemented.

The rights of an individual receiving care, whether in a hospital, rehabilitative setting, or home should center on two important factors: respect and caring. No matter what level of consciousness or agitated state, an individual should be treated with understanding. As a participant in rehabilitation or a family member, you have the right to expect the very best treatment possible. Make sure that is what you are getting and don’t settle for anything less.

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