Community re-entry after critical illness

Community re-entry after a critical illness is a multifaceted ongoing process. Nurse case managers may have the opportunity for long-term follow-up. This is desirable because the individual with a disability must be considered as a developing and changing individual, physically, cognitively and spiritually. Coping and adapting to the many challenges is a continuous process as well. Although barriers persist in communities across the nation, much progress has been made in enabling persons with disabilities to live independently in the community. When value is placed on these individuals, they may live in the community as active and productive individuals who are seen for their abilities and not for their disabilities. Rehabilitation nurses have the opportunity to use many innovative approaches to access information, facilitate community resources and services, and ease transition for persons with disabilities who are returning to their communities. Nurses also have the opportunity to teach, empower, and advocate for individuals with disabilities so that they may achieve the highest level of independence possible. Successful community re-entry can only be achieved when the individual and his or her family are involved. Together with the rehabilitation team, they can return to the community as active and productive members of society or they may return simply because they belong to their community. Either way, they may enjoy quality of life as persons who have many abilities despite their disabilities.