Date of Award

January 2018

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Recreation and Park Administration

First Advisor

Michelle Davis Gerken

Department Affiliation

Recreation and Park Administration

Second Advisor

Michael J. Bradley

Department Affiliation

Recreation and Park Administration

Third Advisor

Laurie J. Larkin

Department Affiliation

Health Promotion and Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the outcomes of a long term brain injury rehabilitation program and its impact on community re-integration. This unique facility is licensed as a Long-Term Care Facility, able to provide longer lengths of stay to treat medical and psychological needs. All residents of this facility have a diagnosis of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as well as a mental illness. The mental illness may have existed prior to the brain injury, or may have arisen or worsened as a result of the brain injury.

This program combines traditional rehabilitation therapy (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Recreational Therapy) with skilled psychological services to provide holistic treatment of ABI. Quantitative assessment results were collected on a data form and combined with therapist observation via facility documentation to obtain the results of the study. Residents' skills, behaviors, and rehabilitation progress were observed in group therapy settings, individual therapy settings, and community outings. Assessment outcomes from admission to discharge were analyzed through statistical analysis. The hypothesis is that outcomes data and therapist feedback will show that this program improves functional abilities of individuals with ABI and provides them with the skills to successfully transition to a lower level of care.

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