What is the role of the family in rehabilitation? - Donald Peck Leslie, MD

The role of the family in rehabilitation is very varied. All of a sudden a person who is spinal injured becomes a different person that they were the day before the injury. In some cases, it takes them back almost to infantile in that they can’t do anything for themselves, they can’t feed themselves, they can’t dress themselves, they can’t walk, they can’t do whatever. So, we have to be careful that the role of the family doesn’t get so overwhelming that it one, scares them away. I’ve had families that have thrown their hands up and run away, not often. Typically, it is the reverse, typically they’re trying to do too much, “oh, poor Johnny, I have to take care of Johnny.” Well that’s fine up to a point, but I want Johnny to take care of himself if he can. And if he can’t, then we will bring you in, and show you what your role can and should be, or could be. It is a fine line that you have to walk with the families, it truly is.