A case for slow to recover rehabilitation services following severe acquired brain injury.
Young people with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) can continue to improve for many years. Unfortunately for those clients who begin to show signs of recovery after the first year post ABI, access to rehabilitation services is extremely limited. This is particularly true for non-compensable clients, many of whom live in aged care facilities with no, or poor, access to therapy. This paper uses "Bil's" case to illustrate the significant improvements in function and quality of life that can be achieved long after an ABI. Moreover, we outline how a new service, the Acquired Brain Injury: Slow to Recover Program, enabled provision of slow stream rehabilitation for Bil and resulted in his return home two-and-a-half years after injury.
Wales
Linda R
LR
Physiotherapy Department, Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Services, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. linda.wales@nwhcn.org.au
Bernhardt
Julie A
JA