Settings

The setting for rehabilitation varies according to the needs of the patient and, particularly, the level of rehabilitative therapy needed (see Table 28-1).

Providing rehabilitation at home by family members is highly desirable, but it can be physically and emotionally taxing for caregivers. The patient's partner may be physically unable to help provide care, adult children may have too many other commitments, and home health aides usually cannot provide 24-hour care. Thus, institutionalization may be necessary for patients with severe disabilities. Nonetheless, creative approaches to home care may be possible, especially for patients with substantial financial resources.