Living with Disorders of Consciousness

Living with a Disorder of Consciousness

Returning home with a loved one in Disorders of Consciousness can be very overwhelming; however, your medical and rehabilitation team will help you prepare for a successful transition. They will provide you with specific instructions based on your needs and the needs of your loved one. It can be difficult to prepare for the full magnitude of the life changes your loved one’s injury has created and may lead to in the future. Learning how to best manage your day to day activities and care will help get you through these initial challenges while also providing you with the tools to advocate for yourself and your loved one for the long term.

This section will guide you in how to re-establish yourself into your community and the support systems that are available to you. It will also provide you with guidance and tools as you learn to navigate your life and the life of your loved one with a disorder of consciousness.

What happens next?

An especially challenging stage in the recovery process following a severe brain injury occurs after discharge from the acute care setting and before the person is ready for comprehensive rehabilitation.

If the person's status has not improved to a point of emerging from minimally conscious state, you have several options. You may decide to:

Care for the person at home, possibly with the assistance of home health care.
Have the person cared for in one of the following facilities: an extended care facility, a transitional medical facility, a long-term acute care facility, a skilled nursing facility, or an intermediate care facility.

Your case manager, along with other members of the treatment team, should help you determine your options and help you in making your choice.

Being Involved- How can you be involved in the treatment plan?

Daily Routines- Overview