Succeeding at Life's Occupations Following Brain Injury

Brain Injury Overview

Brain injury, whether it is from a traumatic event or a stroke, is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.  A lot of individuals suffer long-term effects that will not allow them to work or live independently, or even engage in roles or leisure activities as they did before. The goal for most individuals following a neurological injury is to obtain some type of successful and meaningful participation in occupation. 

Transition Period

Many times, especially in the state of West Virginia, clients are able to receive a lot of therapy initially.  They usually have inpatient rehab and maybe some short-term outpatient, but many of those benefits are exhausted pretty early on.  As we know, the recovery time for brain injury or stroke is extensive.  It can take years for a patient to truly maximize or meet their potential.  We often refer to this as the transition period.  This is where they go from being discharged from the acute phase to being able to be fully participating within the community.  Occupational therapy can play a big role in that transition period.  We can offer accommodations.  We can work with work or volunteer sites.  We can help with some life coaching.  We can do training, and we can also educate the client and other individuals on how to prevent further injuries.  OTs have a valuable role in facilitating this transition period.