Long Term Support in the Community

Goals	To maintain the progress clients achieve through Active Rehabilitation either with Raincoast Community Rehabilation Services or other providers. To maintain the use of compensatory techniques and skills, which would otherwise deteriorate. To identify and act upon needs as they arise and which the client cannot handle independently. To maintain psychosocial status in crucial areas such as self-esteem, anxiety and stress management. To ensure that others who support the client maintain appropriate interaction with and responses to the client.
What Services Are Provided?	In any location where the client must function and experiences, or might experience, difficulties.
What Intervention Is Provided?	Direction regarding the use of techniques and skills. Review of how to use techniques for stress, anxiety, functional recall, problem solving. Direct assistance. Direction regarding problems arising.
What Needs Are Typically Monitored?	Household management Budgeting and bill paying Personal care and health care Self-esteem Anxiety control Insight and awareness Stress management Interaction with others Use of community resources Employment Use of compensatory techniques Physical functioning Social integration Psychosocial status Pacing and fatigue Pain management
Why Are Skilled Rehabilitation Specialists Needed?	Proficiency is needed in the use of techniques such as: Cognitive therapies Quieting reflex Thought stopping Compensatory strategies Proficiency is needed regarding the basics of therapeutic relationships: Maintaining relationships over time Demonstrating unconditional regard for the client Maintaining objectivity A knowledge base is needed regarding brain injury and its consequences for individual survivors and their families. Communication skills are needed to communicate with families, professionals and community resource.

Once they have completed our rehabilitative treatment and training programs additional services are provided for those clients who need them in order to meet their long term needs. These services can also be provided to clients who have received treatment or training from other programs and facilities that do not provide for long term needs. These services are provided with a view to maintaining the progress clients have made through previous treatment and training and to ensure adaptation to changing circumstances. This is achieved through a variety of means including regular monitoring of an individual's situation, regular on-going periodic re-assessment of neuropsychological deficits. On-going monitoring permits early identification of changing environmental or personal conditions, which may indicate the need for additional intervention. Early intervention prevents more serious difficulties and minimizes the extent of intervention needed. Continued services are provided through the minimum hours of service possible each week in order to maintain quality of life.

In order to achieve long term quality of life for individuals who have experienced brain injury it is often necessary to provide services in the community throughout a person's entire lifetime.