Authors

  1. Powell, Janet M. PhD, OT
  2. Temkin, Nancy R. PhD
  3. Machamer, Joan E. MA
  4. Dikmen, Sureyya S. PhD

Article Content

Objective: This study investigated performance of home management activities at 1 year posttraumatic brain injury (TBI) using the Functional Status Examination. Methods: The sample consisted of 164 rehabilitation inpatients (mean age = 35.4 years, 77% male, 75% white) with moderate to severe TBI. Demographics, injury severity, neuropsychological functioning, and living situation were examined in relation to home management performance. Results: Fifty-nine percent of participants had more difficulty and/or required more assistance with home management at 1 year. Nonperformance of individual activities preinjury ranged from 16% to 76%. Yard care (38%), child care (36%), and car care (34%) were the activities most often dropped by those performing them preinjury. Age (P = .001), postinjury living situation (P = .002), and neuropsychological function at 1 year (P = .001) were associated with worse home management performance. Conclusions: Home management activities are challenging for many individuals with TBI even at 1 year postinjury. Older adults and those with worse cognitive function are especially likely to have problems. Preinjury performance of home management activities should be considered in determining subsequent losses, recovery of function, and appropriate interventions.