Family needs at a post-acute rehabilitation setting and suggestions for supports

To explore the perceived needs, obstacles to services, psychological distress and social problem-solving abilities of family members of persons with ABI at a post-acute community-based brain injury rehabilitation facility and offer suggestions for methods of assessment and providing support.

Twenty-nine family members who did not provide daily care, but were involved in the care process.

Participants completed self-report questionnaires including the FNQ:R, SOS, DASS-21, WHO-QOL BREF and SPSI:R-S.

Participants reported informational and professional needs as most met and involvement in care, instrumental support and emotional support as most unmet. Most were satisfied with the amount of professional help and services and had confidence in the quality of care. Nearly half of the family members felt there were few ABI-related resources in the community and one third were unaware of good ABI treatment resources in their community. Psychosocial functioning was generally average.

Family members who do not provide daily care are still impacted by the neurobehavioural changes that progress throughout the long-term, post-acute community phase. This study offers suggestions regarding an effective methodology for assessing family needs and recommends accessible and practical supports.