Slide 1
Function is the practical goal
Rehabilitation helps people improve functioning and participation after illness, injury or disability. The goal concerns everyday life as well as body function.
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Walking a particular route, communicating with family or returning to a task can each be meaningful outcomes. The relevant goal depends on the person rather than a single universal performance target.
Slide 2
Practice is shaped around a task
Rehabilitation can involve practicing movements, communication or other skills. Activities are selected to address particular functional needs.
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A team may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and other professionals. Different skills are needed because functioning spans more than muscle strength.
Slide 3
The environment changes the demand
A person’s surroundings can make an activity easier or harder. Rehabilitation may alter the environment as well as work on individual ability.
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A suitable handrail, an accessible layout or a communication aid can change participation without curing the underlying condition. Improved function does not always require restoring every biological impairment.
Slide 4
An aid needs a good fit
Assistive products can support mobility, hearing, vision or communication. Their usefulness depends on matching the product to the person and setting.
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Provision includes assessment, fitting and training rather than simply handing over an object. A technically capable device may be ineffective if it cannot be used in daily conditions.
Slide 5
Progress is measured against purpose
Rehabilitation goals and methods are reviewed as circumstances change. A useful outcome is one that improves the activities important to the person.
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Rehabilitation can begin alongside other treatment and can also support long-term conditions. It is not restricted to a final phase after every other part of care has ended.
Sources
- Rehabilitation
World Health Organization
- Assistive technology
World Health Organization