Frequently Asked Questions
Does a family member or care-provider need to stay for the entire therapy day?
A family member or care-provider does need to come with you during your first visit to Frazier. This is primarily so that an accurate history can be obtained and necessary paperwork can be filled out. After the evaluation, family members are welcome to attend individual therapies but are not required to, unless requested by the treatment team. Many times, it is more therapeutic for family members not to attend therapies as this increases the independence of the individual. Family and friends are not permitted to attend group sessions to ensure the privacy of the other individuals in the group.
How long is the average length of stay?
An average length of stay is around 10 to 12 weeks. This question is difficult to answer however, as each length of stay is tailored directly to the needs of each individual. Your treatment team will discuss the recommended length of stay with you after your evaluation. Depending on the speed of your recovery, you projected length of stay can change during the course of your treatment.
Is therapy enjoyable?
The staff at the Frazier Rehab NeuroRehab Program makes every effort to make therapy as enjoyable as possible. However, it is important to remember that the goal of therapy is to get better. Part of the rehab process is working through deficits, or problems caused by the injury or illness, which can be difficult for the individual and their family members.
We can’t provide transportation to therapy. What are our options?
For those who live in Jefferson County, TARC 3 service is a wonderful resource to use for transportation assistance. TARC 3 is a public transportation service for individuals with disabilities. Once the individual has applied and been accepted, TARC will come to their current place of residence, pick them up and drive them to therapy, and then pick them up at the end of the therapy day and transport them home again. There is a small fee involved for each ride. This service does take three to five weeks to begin. If you live outside Jefferson County, the resources are limited. Talk to your primary therapist about other options that may be available.
What if we need to cancel therapy?
It is our expectation that you will view attendance in this program much in the same way you view attendance at work or school. We expect you will be here unless there is a medical or personal emergency. In the event that you will be missing a scheduled therapy, you need to let your primary therapist know at least one week in advance. Whenever possible, schedule medical appointments for days or times that you are not in therapy.
What will happen in therapy?
Each treatment program is tailored to the needs of each individual. Therapy may consist of occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and neuropsychological services. The program focuses on achieving the highest level of independence possible. When it is appropriate, getting back to work or school will be addressed. Memory, organization, vision, endurance, thinking skills, balance, strengthening, coping, brain injury education and adjustment, safety, reasoning and judgment are all addressed as needed.
When can I drive?
When the treating occupational therapist feels that it is appropriate to consider driving, he or she will collaborate with your doctor to determine the next steps. This usually requires a rehab-type driving evaluation that is offered at one of Frazier’s clinics. Our goal is to return individuals to driving as soon as possible but also with safety as the primary concern.
How can family members/caregivers assist in the recovery process?
It is important that the things learned in therapy be carried over to the home! Your team will work with you to determine what should be done at home. The goal is to create healthy habits in therapy that will be used long after discharge. Family members/caregivers can call and schedule to attend a therapy day and follow along in therapy sessions, meet with the staff to learn more about the injury/illness and recovery process, work with the team to set goals and a pace of recovery that best matches the individual, and ask to participate in team rounds.
After participating in the NeuroRehab Program are participants fully recovered?
After participating in the NeuroRehab Program most individuals are significantly more independent, need less supervision and have a higher quality of life. Although others may not be able to tell any differences, some people report being able to identify a few skills that are not like they used to be prior to the injury or illness. In this case, strategies and compensations need to be used long term. Also, the healing continues long after therapy! While the first one to two years are the most acute and critical phase of recovery, further recovery continues for many years down the road.