Know Your Rights
This is the right to participate in decisions about your care.
Informed Consent
This occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced.
Stroke
If you don’t understand something your doctor or healthcare provider says, you can ask them to do this.
Explain it again in simpler terms
This type of therapist helps stroke and TBI patients regain daily living skills, like dressing and eating.
Occupational Therapist
This person can help you navigate your healthcare, communicate with providers, and access necessary resources.
Patient Advocate
If you feel you aren't getting the care you need, you can ask for this type of external review from another healthcare professional.
Second Opinion
Traumatic brain injury is most commonly caused by this type of accident.
Falls
One great way to ensure your healthcare team addresses all your concerns during an appointment.
Write down questions/concerns beforehand
Exercise and physical activity are important in stroke recovery. You can ask this professional to help design a safe exercise program.
Physical Therapist
It’s important to join this type of group to connect with others who have experienced similar injuries.
Support Group
The law that protects patient privacy and ensures access to your own medical records.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
This condition, often following a stroke, causes difficulties in understanding or producing speech and language.
Aphasia
A way that you can advocate for yourself by keeping this written record of your symptoms, progress, and treatments.
Health journal / health diary
This professional helps patients regain their speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing abilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
After a stroke or TBI, you may need assistance with transportation or getting groceries. You can advocate for this kind of community service.
Home / Community Support
This right guarantees that you can legally say no to any treatment even if healthcare providers recommend it.
The right to refuse treatment.
A brain injury or stroke can impact this cognitive skill, which involves solving problems or making decisions.
Executive Functioning
You have the right to have this person present during medical appointments to help with communication.
Family member or support person
When working with a care team, it’s important to set these to measure your progress and stay motivated.
Therapy/Recovery Goals
This term refers to the family members, friends, and professionals who help a patient through recovery.
Support network / support system