Those with serious injuries may require long-term support services that help them and their families meet daily needs, such as self-care and household chores. These services can last for months, years or even a lifetime. Funding and infrastructure for these services vary by state. For example, comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation facilities are often located in urban centers that may be hours away from a person’s home. Consequently, people who need these services can be unaware of them or unable to access them.

For those who are well enough to leave hospital, their healthcare team will discuss their rehabilitation needs and plans. They may organise to transfer them to a rehabilitation service, either within the same hospital or in the community.

Services for Injury Recovery: How Rehab Lab Speeds Up Your Healing

In the community, Services for Injury Recovery include physical, occupational, and speech therapies; psychological or cognitive therapy; and physiotherapy (physical exercise to reduce pain). In addition to these services, some facilities offer vocational rehabilitation to help people identify their interests, find education and training, apply for jobs and organize workplace accommodations. Adaptive fitness, wellness and sports programs are also available at some rehab facilities.

Other services that help people with TBI and their families include respite care, counseling, and support groups, advocacy and family-centered decision-making. These services are important because they can help people feel supported and empowered in their recovery. In addition, they can encourage the involvement of their loved ones in decisions about their care and support.