Compensation strategies are ways to help the service member or veteran manage the way they may be thinking now as opposed to before the injury. The strategies build on the person’s strengths. At the same time, they could make up for deficits in thinking caused by the TBI.
The neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech-language pathologist are the healthcare team members who assess how well the service member or veteran is thinking. They will develop a cognitive rehabilitation treatment plan with you, the service member or veteran, and the medical staff. The service member or veteran’s progress in therapy will guide their return to the community and will help decide if and when they can return to active duty, work, or school.
Each person and the symptoms they experience are unique. A strategy that works well for one person might not work for another. What works during structured inpatient rehabilitation may not work in the same manner at home. Practice techniques learned from the healthcare team with the service member or veteran at home. If an approach does not work well, review it with a healthcare provider and try other strategies. Continue to use your healthcare team in developing compensation approaches.