After rehabilitation: meeting the long-term needs of persons with traumatic brain injury

Many survivors of traumatic brain injury have significant needs for long-term support. The rehabilitation professions, including occupational therapy, have begun to recognize these needs more fully during the last decade. The literature describes various models of supported living that provide housing, support services, and vocational assistance; however, these programs are not widely available due to limitations in public funding and inadequate insurance coverage for long-term care. Occupational therapists can contribute a broad expertise to the provision of supported living services, and the profession is encouraged to provide leadership and advocacy with respect to the long-term care needs of survivors of traumatic brain injury.