Your Child's Rehabilitation Team
While no one wants their child to experience an accident or injury in which rehabilitation becomes necessary, if it does become necessary one of the positive things about your child entering a rehabilitation facility is that it will feel as if there are so many people on your side! Your child’s rehabilitation team will work together to come up with a program that is designed for your child’s specific needs, and will comprise a group of professionals who have extensive experience regarding brain injury in children.
Your child’s rehabilitation team may include the following:
• Case worker. This team member will coordinate your child’s care, and can also help you with legal/financial issues related to your child’s care.
• Physician. This doctor will have experience working with children with brain injury, and will be ultimately responsible for making the decisions regarding your child’s care.
• Nurses. Specialized nurses will be responsible for your child’s everyday care, and are available to answer any questions you may have.
• Cognitive/Behavioral Therapist. This individual will work with your child to make as many cognitive gains as possible.
• Physical Therapist. If the brain injury has resulted in physical disabilities, this team member will help your child gain the maximum amount of function possible.
• Occupational Therapist. This person will prepare your child for doing everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, and will teach her how to use any necessary adaptive equipment or tools.
• Speech Therapist. This team member will help your child with any speech and language problems she is experiencing as a result of the brain injury.
• Recreational Therapist. This person will ensure that your child has opportunity for fun and relaxation by helping her engage in art, music, and sports.
• Counselor. This team member will help your child understand and cope with the changes she has experienced as a result of the brain injury, and can also help family members cope as well.