Specific Strategies for Families To Increase Their Involvement in the Rehabilitation Process

Provide the social worker or training coordinator with a written list of questions that you would like to have addressed at team meetings (if possible, make these questions available prior to the team meeting).

Do not hesitate to address questions and concerns directly with a member of the team so that information sharing and any modifications in the treatment plan can be made before too much time elapses.

Have your list of questions to refer to so that you have a written reference available when expressing concerns.

Although members of the treatment team do their best to explain the patient�s current level of function or specific treatment techniques in language that is easy to understand, occasionally they may use terminology that is unclear.  It is very important for you to understand, so please ask for clarification when you do not understand specific terms or concepts.  We have also provided a glossary at the end of this handbook that you may find useful in defining medical or professional terms.

Questions that can be asked of the treatment team in order to gain information include:

• What should I be watching out for?
• What problems can I anticipate?
• What do you see as priorities at the particular time?
• What questions do you think I should be asking of myself/others?
• What do you see as options for the future (i.e. level of supervision, continued therapy, aftercare needs and resources)?
• How are you addressing the current treatment goals?
• What is the current rate of progress?

Ask to schedule an observation or training day so that you can become better acquainted with the staff and their particular role and perspective.