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 Active family/caregiver participation in the rehabilitation process is very
important to the success of each patient’s progress and helps to ensure that the
patient receives the maximum benefit from rehabilitation. Here are some of the
ways family members and caregivers may become involved:
- Providing information to the rehabilitation treatment team about the
patient’s preferences, medical history, personality and prior lifestyle.
- Encouraging and helping the patient to work hard in therapy.
- Bringing clean clothing on a regular basis and taking clothing home for
laundering.
- Providing emotional support.
- Helping the patient adjust to life changes that may be necessary as a
result of the incident that brought the patient to rehabilitation and
assisting the patient to incorporate techniques learned during therapy into
a daily routine.
- Observing therapies and participating in training to be able to assist
the patient in the best possible manner to meet their needs and use their
abilities.
- Participating in family education and conferences with the
rehabilitation team.
- Working with the rehabilitation team to arrange a community outing or
therapeutic leave and participating in those outings. This will allow the
patient to practice new skills outside of the hospital setting and identify
any modifications that will be needed to allow the patient to be as
independent as possible.
- Providing access to the vehicle in which the patient will be discharged
home, as applicable, for training purposes.
- Participating in discharge planning so the patient can make a smooth
transition home and receive any services/equipment needed after discharge.
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