Referral Forms

Low Intensity

Low Intensity ABI rehabilitation is an intensive, interdisciplinary program for individuals who:

  • have sustained a severe acquired brain injury
  • have complex cognitive, physical and nursing needs, and
  • demonstrate a slower rate of recovery.

The wait may be long (e.g., months) to access Low Intensity programs, as there are a limited number of these beds in Toronto and lengths of stay may vary.

All of the following are taken into consideration when reviewing Low Intensity applications:

  • Severe Brain Injury: If applicable, clients typically present at Rancho Los Amigos Scale levels between III-V, i.e., demonstrate a localized response but which may be inappropriate. They often demonstrate confusion, decreased attention span, limited continuous memory, i.e., still experiencing post-traumatic amnesia.
  • Complex Needs: Clients typically have complex physical, medical and cognitive needs requiring a specialized ABI rehab program and significant nursing care.
  • Attention/Responsiveness: Clients are able to participate in 10-15 minute sessions, several times per day and demonstrate meaningful responses to their environment, i.e., able to communicate via verbal or non-verbal means; able to visually track and focus and able to demonstrate a consistent, purposeful motor response.
  • Slower Rate of Recovery: Typically, there is a greater amount of time from the date of injury to the date of readiness for rehab (i.e., a few months). Clients demonstrate improvement/progress in the acute/sub-acute phase of recovery. Clients’ length of rehab stay may vary widely and is determined by the progress demonstrated towards established goals appropriate for an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
  • Medically stable: i.e., a client’s medical condition should not preclude him/her from actively participating in therapy sessions.
  • Multiple pre-existing co-morbid conditions: These clients may be suitable, though depending on the stability of these conditions, clients may be more appropriate for other programs, e.g., geriatric program.
  • Plan for discharge post rehab: Should be in place prior to admission and letter of return is often requested.
  • 18 years or older: However, those younger than 18 will be considered on an individual basis.

Clients with the following are not appropriate candidates for Low Intensity inpatient rehabilitation programs:

  • Psychiatric needs: Clients who require acute psychiatric care.
  • Physical aggression: Clients who demonstrate behaviours that pose a threat to the safety of themselves or others through directed physical aggression. West Park Healthcare Centre/UHN offers an inpatient and outreach ABI behaviour program that may be better suited to the needs of these clients.

Ready to refer? Inpatient referral forms are available here.