Relationship and family breakdown following acquired brain injury: the role of the rehabilitation team

Abstract

Although the literature documents the considerable problems acquired brain injury causes for the survivor's family and close relationships, and the corresponding significantly inflated rate of separation and divorce, few papers offer practical solutions. The objective of this paper is to respond to this gap in the literature by presenting some of the problems raised for the rehabilitation team when a family separates, and some suggestions for ways in which these problems could be overcome. The literature is reviewed briefly, followed by reflections and suggestions which are based on this review and on clinical experience. The discussion indicates that there are a number of practical dilemmas raised for the rehabilitation team when a family already involved in the rehabilitation process starts to break up. Some specific suggestions for addressing these issues are made; further research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness.