Reintegration into the family and the community following traumatic brain injury

Issue title: International Brain Injury Association Conference

Guest editors: Nathan Zasler and Jose Leon-Carrion

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Voogt, Robert D.^{a; *} | Teasdale, Thomas W.^c | Patrick, Peter D.^b | Carman, Judith^d

Affiliations: [a] Rehabilitation Living Centers, 3524 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119-6109, USA | [b] NeuroPsych HealthCare, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA | [c] Psychological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | [d] Success Rehabilitation, Bensalem, PA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 5044828813, Fax: + 1 504 4885065, URL: www.rehabliving.com.

Abstract: When establishing a community or family setting where individuals with traumatic brain injury can live, the setting must be sensitive to the individual’s specific needs, as well as basic human needs. All individuals are in need of loving relationships, meaningful work activities, and the ability to enjoy themselves. They also want access to community events, and to be a part of a respectful environment that stimulates growth. Often, return to the family has resulted in disruption, return to work has been the exception, and relationships are forever altered. Reintegration must take place where needs can be met; where individuals are not simply cared for, but where they enjoy the same opportunities as those who are not disabled. The authors of this article each presented at The Second World Conference on Brain Injury, in Seville, Spain. In this article, they look at the impediments to reintegration and possibilities for creating a rehabilitation environment that values life and allows for reintegration into the community and a return to work and family.

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, Reintegration, Family, Work, Community

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1998-11205

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 107-117, 1998