As patients recover from traumatic brain injuries, their needs are many and varied. That's why a team approach is so important. By bringing together a network of specialists and laypeople with a variety of expertise, patients and their families receive the holistic care and support they need to let the healing process begin.
PHYSIATRIST
Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation serve as a source of medical direction for therapists, nurses and others on the team. These skilled physicians guide the team in prescribing a program to maximize a child's potential for self-care and independence, and keep the child's hometown doctors up-to-date on their treatment and progress.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
No matter what causes a brain injury, it can have far-reaching effects on a patient's cognitive skills, behavior and personality. Neuropsychologists specialize in the evaluation and rehabilitation of individuals with brain injuries and play an important role in helping patients return to their best level of functioning at home and school.
NURSE
Rehabilitation nurses coordinate activities between patients, their families and the members of their rehabilitation team. Nurses take care of patients and teach them and their families the skills they will need to maximize independence. They also work to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to community.
Primary nurses are involved with day-to-day care, making sure the established plan is followed and patients are on their way to meeting rehabilitation goals. When needed, MeritCare's Nursing Consultation Center can provide the team with nurses specially trained in areas such as diabetes, mental health and dermatology.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Occupational therapists help restore their patients' ability to carry out daily functions. The main goal is to help the child return to an independent and productive lifestyle. To achieve this objective, occupational therapists use a variety of activities, including:
- Motion, strength and endurance training
- Teaching new ways to accomplish daily activities
- Training patients to use adaptive equipment
- Working with patients on vocational and homemaking activities
- Evaluating pre-driving skills and mobility
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Physical therapists work with brain-injured children to prevent disability, relieve pain and restore function. To achieve these goals, therapists use a variety of exercises designed to strengthen muscles and improve joint motion. They also use functional activities such as transfer training, bed mobility, walking, and balance, posture and coordination exercises.
Whenever necessary, physical therapists teach patients to use equipment such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, braces and prosthetic limbs properly, as well.
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
Speech pathologists use special techniques to help individuals correct speech disorders or restore speech lost due to a traumatic brain injury. They work with children who have language or speaking difficulties,
swallowing disorders, voice disorders, hearing impairments and many other conditions. For those who can no longer communicate by speaking or writing, a speech-language pathologist can provide alternate communication systems, as well.
SOCIAL WORKER
Beyond physical challenges, many other changes accompany a traumatic brain injury. Social workers assist children's families with financial concerns, provide counseling and help coordinate the child's return to the community. Social workers also serve as advocates for their patients when concerns arise regarding insurance coverage, hospital policies and eligibility for various programs.
NUTRITIONIST
Nutrition is an important part of any patient's care, but it can be especially difficult for those who have lost their appetites or experienced changes in their weight or ability to chew,
swallow or digest foods. Nutritionists develop individualized nutrition plans to address these changes and then set goals to help patients achieve good, balanced nutrition.
FAMILY MEMBERS
Family members are an essential part of the team, and we encourage them to remain active in the planning and implementation of their child's rehabilitation plans. On a periodic basis, we hold family care conferences, where patients, their families and the other members of the team review progress, determine goals and discuss concerns such as
plans for the child's return home.