Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program
Martha Visintin, Program Coordinator Objective
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program specializes in the rehabilitation of those clients with disabilities following a TBI. The effects of such trauma can be extremely complex and vary according to the type and severity of injury, as well as, the client’s general health status. The program's goal is to minimize the impact of such disabilities through early interventions with the client and by encouraging direct involvement of the family.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury results from an abrupt impact to the brain, which causes destruction or a dysfunction of the cerebral tissue. This impact damages the brain to various degrees, resulting in impairments to a wide variety of bodily systems. There may be impairment of consciousness which could range from mild confusion to deep coma, as well as physical, cognitive and perceptual problems. The client may have difficulty with communication, behaviour and experience changes in their emotional state. Injuries are classified by severity, as minor, mild (with or without neurological evidence), moderate, or severe.
Approach
The TBI program uses an interdisciplinary approach and is supported by an active research center. The team consists of the following professionals:
The program ensures a continuum of services for hospitalized and ambulatory clients, which are provided according to their needs, based on their level of recovery. The two main services offered are:
- Intensive functional rehabilitation
- Socio-professional and academic reintegration
Intensive Functional Rehabilitation
Intensive functional rehabilitation services are offered to clients upon discharge from an acute care hospital. Services are provided both on an inpatient and ambulatory basis, including:
- Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment (individual and group)
- Retraining of life skills and teaching of compensatory strategies
- Medical follow-up and consultations by specialists
Socio-professional and Academic Reintegration
These services are offered to clients whose functional capacities have been stabilized and are ready to reintegrate a natural living environment. The program's objective is to facilitate the client's return into his/her natural environment by promoting the socio-professional and academic reintegration, and the community involvement. Services offered include:
- Evaluation and development of work capacities and work reintegration
- Vocational and academic evaluation and reintegration
- Post-discharge follow-up
TransAcc Transition House
The TransAcc house, located near the hospital, was established in 1987. This residence is the only one of its kind in Quebec, and offers on site training in activities of daily living as well as 24 hour supervision in a natural environment. It includes bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, all specially designed to encourage socialization activities and promote the gradual resumption of daily activities. It is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The TBI team works in collaboration with professional and community resources in order to ensure the continuity of services, to facilitate social, professional and academic rehabilitation, and strives to help the clients maintain the progress achieved throughout the rehabilitation process.
Admissions Criteria
- Adults who suffered a TBI or a polytrauma
- To be medically stable
- To have the ability to benefit from an intensive rehabilitation program
Contact Information
TBI Program Secretary
Phone: 450-688-9550, extension 591
Fax: 450-688-3673
