Community Re-Entry
One of the main goals of rehabilitation is to prepare the patient for life after discharge. This includes the following:
- adapting to living with a disability
- promoting independence
- planning for a safe and accessible environment
Community re-entry plans are individualized and are based on the patient's physical abilities and needs. Both the patient and family should be involved in planning re-entry into the community.
Many times, adjustments and modifications need to be made to help a person with a disability function independently. This may involve, but is not limited to, the following:
- home - installing wheelchair ramps, raised toilet seats, or handrails on stairways
- school - special computers or adaptive equipment to allow for alternative means of communication
- work - new job skills, job placement, and vocational counseling
- recreational, social, or sports activities - mobility in public places such as restaurants, churches, or stadiums
- transportation - getting in and out of a car or bus, or installing special hand controls or lifts
Rehabilitation team members and community agencies often work together to help people with disabilities succeed.