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, a transitional period, 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, examinations, and training materials
• work - new job skills, transitional work, 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
• communications - providing qualified readers and interpreters

Rehabilitation team members and community agencies often work together to help people with disabilities succeed.

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Disclaimer - This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. © 2009 Staywell Custom Communications.