When a neurological condition, such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, has occurred some time ago, or when progressive conditions like MS or Parkinson’s disease have become more pronounced, affected individuals often become accustomed to the loss of certain abilities and rely on the support of their relatives. Tasks that the patient previously managed independently are now taken over by family members. For example, if a patient can no longer speak well, relatives may handle phone calls on their behalf.
Intensive Rehabilitation at cereneo
At our clinic, patients work intensively on their individual goals. Each rehabilitation plan is personalized to achieve the best possible outcomes. Patients relearn lost abilities or improve those that have been compromised by their condition.
The Challenge After Discharge
After being discharged and returning home, patients must readjust to their familiar environment. Back at home, it is crucial to integrate what they have learned into their daily lives. On the one hand, it is important to continue therapies to maintain the progress made (see also the article “Deterioration After Discharge from Inpatient Rehabilitation – Why It Can Happen and How to Prevent It”). On the other hand, applying regained skills in everyday life is essential. Often, patients fall back into old patterns and “forget” that they have improved or regained their abilities. For instance, even if a patient could speak well again after rehab and making phone calls would be generally possible, they might still delegate this task to their relatives out of habit.
Reasons for Relapsing into Old Patterns
There are various reasons why patients revert to old habits at home. On the one hand, they often fall back into familiar roles at home; on the other hand, they might not yet trust their relearned abilities. A patient who learned to shop alone again in the clinic might still hesitate to do so. They may fear not being understood due to impaired speech or worry about having difficulty concentrating and forgetting to buy things.
The Role of Relatives
It is crucial for motivation to integrate relearned skills into daily life immediately. This also positively impacts the patient’s self-confidence and independence. Support from family members is of great importance in this process. Relatives should consistently encourage patients to apply their relearned abilities. While relatives should be supportive, it is important to allow the patient to take responsibility for completing tasks themselves. This often requires a lot of time and patience in everyday life, but it is worth it! With continuous practice and support, patients can successfully incorporate, expand, and improve their skills in their daily lives, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
