Brain Impairment

Table of Contents - 01 May 2010 - Volume 11, Issue 01  

Articles

Young Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury in Long-Term Care Homes: A Population-Based Study

Angela Colantonioa1 c1, Dana Howsea2 and Jigisha Patela3

a1 University of Toronto and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada. angela.colantonio@utoronto.ca

a2 University of Toronto, Canada.

a3 University of Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to identify the number and characteristics of adults under the age of 65 with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) living in long-term care homes (nursing homes, homes for the aged and charitable homes) in Ontario, Canada. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design. Secondary data analysis of a comprehensive provincial database of long-term care homes was conducted. Results: Of the 399 residents coded as having a TBI, 154 were < 65 years of age. Virtually all residents were limited in personal care and required assistance for eating (94.2%), toileting (92.2%) and dressing (99.4%). A large percentage also required care for challenging behaviours, while care needs due to substance abuse was common among 12.3% of TBI residents. Conclusion: As similar research in Australia has found, young persons in long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada, have high level personal health needs, however the appropriateness of this environment is questionable.

Keywords

  • traumatic brain injury;
  • young adults;
  • long-term care

Correspondence:

c1 Address for correspondence: Angela Colantonio, 160-500 University Avenue, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada.