LOGISTICS
When inpatient rehabilitation is over you’re faced with deciding what is next. Where and with whom will you live and how will you get the care you need? What about durable medical equipment and supplies?
Out-patient rehabilitation is important, too, for continued functional independence and community integration. Even complete injuries can benefit from structured therapy like passive range of motion exercise with PT, and learning assistive technology and adaptive tools with OT. Outpatient care is vital for preventing secondary complications.
Make sure to be very involved in planning your move. This is still your life. Back out in the world is a different and strange place. Think about how you want to spend your time after your transition. The monotonous care routine is not going to consume every hour in the day. It is vital for your mental health to resume pursuing interests. You may develop new hobbies or try going back to work or school. Take advantage of all the accessible technology and adaptive devices available to you. If you’re not ready yet, that’s understandable. Neither were we. But don’t wait too long; Life is waiting!
Explore living options, and options for home services like caregivers here:
You may feel nervous about moving away from a full staff of doctors, nurses and therapists. We’ve been there! Just be sure to be diligent with your follow-up care. Maintain a working relationship with your SCI doctor. Most of all, have your caregivers perform your care just like you were instructed in rehab.
Stay in rehab as long as you can! Learn everything that they offer to teach you.
Next comes the shift of focus from emergency crisis to living life. Navigate a post paralysis plan with your loved ones, and your SCI team of doctors and therapists. Work closely with your health insurance caseworker to make sure you receive all services and products you qualify for.
Finding a physician who is very familiar with spinal cord injury depends on your location. You may choose to keep a care team of professionals in a nearby urban area if you live in a rural area with limited resources. It’s advisable for high level quadriplegics to routinely see a neurologist, pulmonologist and urologist.
Returning home checklist
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Home accessibility
- Caregiver
- Home health nurse
- Doctor aware of your diagnosis and needs
- Constant companions in case of emergency
- Assistance with children and home if needed
- Accessible transportation
- Community support
- Financial support
Establishing a routine can be very helpful when it comes to your care. It is easy to feel frustrated and burnt out, and adhering to a regular schedule ensures that you don’t neglect important parts of your care. You can come up with a daily routine of your own that will work better for your individual needs.
