There will be some changes made: A survivor perspective on post-acquired brain injury residential transition

Abstract

Primary objective: Brain injury survivors experience many transitions post-injury and it is important that they experience these in the most supportive and integrative ways possible. This study provided a group of chronic brain injury survivors the opportunity to share their insights and experience of residential transition and to suggest strategies to help maximize the transition experience and outcomes.Research design: This study used a qualitative design that consisted of semi-structured interviews.Methods and procedures: Twenty-one adults with chronic acquired brain injury residing in community-based supported group houses answered a series of scripted questions. Interviews were recorded and participant statements were transcribed and coded according to prospectively developed transition themes.Main outcomes and results: Participants discussed positive and negative insights and experiences regarding residential transitions. Themes of balance between support and independence, life purpose and transition to more or less structure were frequently addressed. Participants suggested caregiver-targeted strategies to facilitate successful transitions before, during and after a move.Conclusions: The insights and suggestions shared by this group of chronic acquired brain injury survivors add to already existing knowledge of post-injury residential transitions and strategies professional caregivers may use to maximize the ease and success of the survivor's transitional experience.