Coma
Rancho Level VI - Family Strategies for Interaction
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Rancho Level VI is characterized by Continuing Confusion but Emergence of Appropriate Behavior.
When relating to a person at Rancho Level VI, family and friends should:
• Expect the person to be unaware of their deficits and the need for increased supervision and rehabilitation. They may insist nothing is wrong with them and that they can go home and resume their usual activities.
• Realize that redirection is not effective and arguments can be frequent and prolonged.
• Encourage the person to participate in and continue to stay in rehabilitation services.
• Understand that the person may react to their head injury in a non-emotional manner and may appear not to care that they are injured. Family should know that this behavior is related to their stage of recovery.
• Realize frequent repetition may be necessary.
• Discuss and journal activities that have happened during the day, to help the person improve his/her memory.
• Help with starting and continuing activities.
Dr. Kiefel holds both a Masters and Doctoral degree in psychology with a specialty in clinical neuropsychology. Her specialty training in clinical child psychology was completed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and postdoctoral training completed at Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Kiefel, a licensed a Psychologist in Georgia has been on staff at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta since 1996.
References
Some information obtained from Family Guide to The Levels of Cognitive Functioning, Communication Disorders Department, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center.