During the three-week IOP, Veterans work with the same team of providers who guided the initial evaluation. You will follow a schedule of treatment therapies based on your individualized care plan. Expect to participate in up to eight hours of treatment each weekday.

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Family members are welcome to join you during the last week of your stay to participate in programs and to learn skills that can help your loved ones navigate life at home and in your community.

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You will spend each weekday with us, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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We will provide water, snacks and meals. You are welcome to bring any additional snacks or beverages. You may have some downtime between appointments, so you may want to bring a book, magazine, or small hobby during those times. This may also be a good time to check your messages and/or return calls on your electronic devices.

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We offer many different evaluations and diagnostic tools to assess and treat patients with TBI.

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Read more about the evaluations and tools here.

Family members are welcome to join during the last week of a patient's stay during the IOP to participate in programs and learn skills that can help you navigate life at home and in your community.

Spouses or caregivers can engage in educational sessions about TBI, Adjustment to Disability, Caregiver Support, yoga and culinary group, as well as introductions to music therapy and integrative therapy. "Family training" sessions with our Speech Language Pathologist and Physical Therapist are also available to help improve functioning and quality of life at home while caring for someone with a TBI.

With the Veteran's permission, a caregiver, spouse or other family member can be included in the evaluation's briefing and exit conferences. Because you have firsthand experience and knowledge about the Veteran and his or her injury, you can offer critically important information to help our providers throughout the evaluation. Attending the exit conference also allows you to hear our team's findings and recommendations, ask questions, discuss ways you can help implement the care plan at home, and help establish accountability. You can participate in these conferences in person at the clinic or through a secure online conference platform.

Support from loved ones at home during the evaluation and IOP is important. Here are a few ways you can show your support:

1. You can participate in sessions — when Veterans meet with providers — through a secure online conference platform. We strongly encourage family members and caregivers to attend these sessions. Our Case Managers are great resources and understand different family dynamics, so they can help you troubleshoot and overcome any obstacles, including getting set up online.
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2. Three weeks is a long time to be away from home. We know it's not easy to be away from your loved ones, and we're grateful to the families who make this sacrifice. We recommend planning activities and events carefully during this time. Gracefully accept offers of assistance from families and friends. Avoid planning major events or taking on a new project to minimize distractions or burdens on the household.
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3. Your loved ones will be very busy during the weekdays. Minimize phone calls and text messages during regular business hours so Veterans can focus on their sessions. Instruct other family members and friends to do the same as a sign of respect for this healing time.
   

Donations can be made through the Tulane Giving portal and earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.

Operation Bootstrap is a sponsor support program that directly benefits Veterans by paying for food, travel, lodging and clinical service for the 3-day evaluation ($8,500) and 3-week IOP ($14,000).
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Monthly donations and one-time gifts can also be earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.

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For information about making a donation and other ways to support our Veteran care program, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

Yes. For more information about Operation Bootstrap and sponsoring travel, food, lodging and clinical care for a Veteran, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

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To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

Our Veteran care program is made possible through donations, in-kind gifts, employer gift matching, tributes, sponsorships, partnerships and many other types of community support.

Donations can be made directly through the Tulane Giving portal and earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.

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If you have questions about donations or other ways to support the Center, please contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.

Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

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If you'd like to refer or recommend a Veteran to our program, please submit an inquiry form with your contact information, as well as basic information about the Veteran's military status and injury. (Please note, this inquiry form is completely confidential and follows all HIPAA compliance protocols.)

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Once you submit the form, a patient navigator manager will follow up with you to collect more information. You can also reach us by e-mail tbicare@tulane.edu, or call  (504) 988-5195.

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Yes. To refer a Veteran to our program, please submit the inquiry form with your contact information, as well as basic information about the Veteran's military status and injury. (Please note, this inquiry form is completely confidential and follows all HIPAA compliance protocols.)

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Once you submit the form, a Clinical Patient Navigator will follow up with you to collect more information.

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You can also reach us by e-mail (tbicare@tulane.edu) or call (504) 988-5195.

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