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 offers an inpatient and outreach ABI behaviour program that may be better suited to the needs of these clients.