Family members – inclusive of spouses, parents, siblings and other close social relations – are undeniably important to the lives of people with acquired brain injury (ABI). This study sought to understand the experience of family members of people with severe ABI as they support their loved one to commence community and social participation during inpatient rehabilitation and transition to the community. 

Participants for this research were recruited from a specialist, multidisciplinary ABI rehabilitation service, based in a metropolitan city in Australia. Eight family members were interviewed, inclusive of five parents and three spouses of people living with severe ABI. 

Although family members clearly play an important role in the achievement of community and social participation, the participants of this study identified many factors that impact their experience of supporting positive outcomes. There are important implications for rehabilitation services, such as ensuring families feel welcomed and engaged within rehabilitation, positioning the person with ABI within their family context in rehabilitation, and providing opportunities for supported, meaningful and contextual experiences within rehabilitation.