The Occupational Therapist's Role in a Transitional Living Program for Head Injured Clients

Abstract

The head injured patient typically undergoes a long period of transition, beginning with acute care, moving to a rehabilitation facility, and ending with community re-entry. A key point in the total rehabilitation process is the smooth transition from a hospital- like environment to a home environment. This paper describes the role of the occupational therapist in a transitional living program at a private facility. In this program, various health professionals work with clients in a home-like environment to facilitate community reintegration. The program uses a ''real world laboratory'' to re-train clients in functional daily tasks. The overall structure of the program, types of activities used, and goals of the program are discussed.