Guide
Managing Changes in Function After Illness or Injury
This guide helps people manage changes in function by understanding recovery, staying safe, planning for everyday life, working with their support team, and finding resources that promote independence and participation in daily life at home, work, school, and in the community.
Primary audience: People experiencing changes in function due to illness, injury, disability, aging, or a new health condition, along with their families and caregivers.
Additional audiences: Healthcare professionals, rehabilitation professionals, care coordinators, case managers, discharge planners, employers, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and patient advocates.
Topics Covered
- Recognizing that changes in function can be temporary, permanent, progressive, or fluctuate over time.
- Planning for how changes in function may affect work, school, caregiving, transportation, recreation, relationships, and other daily activities.
- Staying safe by reassessing your abilities, using appropriate supports, and discussing concerns with your healthcare team.
- Building a support plan that reflects your needs while recognizing the abilities and limits of family, friends, and caregivers.
- Learning about services, accommodations, equipment, and legal protections that may help you remain active and independent.
Why This Resource Matters
After an illness or injury, people often experience changes in function that affect everyday life but may not know what support, accommodations, services, or planning strategies are available. This guide helps individuals understand those changes, adapt safely, and identify resources that support recovery, independence, and participation in everyday activities.
What's Inside
- Examples of How Illness or Injury May Change Everyday Life
- Recognizing Changes in Function
- Planning for Everyday Life
- Staying Safe
- Working with Your Support Team
- Understanding Disability
- Finding Support
- Questions to Ask the Healthcare Team
- Services, Programs, Tools, and Resources
Download the Resource
Formatted PDF
Includes graphics and layout.
Download PDF of Managing Changes in Function After Illness or Injury (PDF, opens in a new tab)Additional Resources from Other Organizations
- Center for Independent Living (ILRU Directory) (opens in a new tab)
Find a local Center for Independent Living that offers peer support, independent living skills training, advocacy, assistive technology information, transition services, and community resources that promote independence.
- Administration for Community Living – Eldercare Locator (opens in a new tab)
Connect with local services such as transportation, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, home modifications, legal assistance, and community-based programs that help people remain independent (many referrals extend beyond traditional elder services).
- Social Security Administration – Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI) (opens in a new tab)
Learn about SSDI and SSI, eligibility requirements, the application process, and work incentives that may be available if a disability affects your ability to work.
Continue Learning
Keep exploring with another resource from the Center for Person-Centered Care.
Guide
Navigating Work During Illness or Injury
Learn how to navigate employment, workplace accommodations, leave options, and return-to-work planning.
Explore Resource – Navigating Work During Illness or InjuryAsk about the services, supports, accommodations, and resources that can help you remain as safe, independent, and engaged as possible.
The Health Guides, Visual Snapshots, and Clinical Practice Resources were reviewed by a physician for clinical accuracy and by other reviewers to improve readability, clarity, and ease of understanding.
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