Many people make a good recovery from brain injury and are able to return to their normal lifestyle. Others may require on-going rehabilitation.
This service has been developed to meet the ongoing rehabilitation needs of adults, once they are discharged from hospital. We are a specialist team working in an integrated way to meet the needs of this group.
The team comprises:
• Neuropsychology
• Case Management
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Neuro-Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation Assistants.
All team members have specialist training in the management of problems relating to brain injury.
Client Group
The main client group will be those with a newly acquired injury to the brain, usually as a result of a serious head injury. Referrals are also considered in respect of people in the community who have suffered a head injury in the past and who are continuing to experience specific problems relating to that injury, which might respond to input from the team.
Assessment, advice and treatment for clients and their carers on a range of issues, which may include:
• posture, balance, mobility
• swallowing, eating, drinking
• speaking, understanding, reading
• memory, attention, perception and other problems related to understanding
• personal care and everyday living tasks
• work, education, leisure
• emotional and behavioural responses to the injury.
Role of the team
At the hospital stage:
Non-medical treatment, such as Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, will normally be provided by the hospital staff. The Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation team will be notified of clients at the point of discharge planning and will:
• where appropriate, provide specialist advice and support to hospital staff
• where appropriate, advise on the need for further in-patient rehabilitation
• liaise with hospital staff, the client, family and other agencies (e.g. Social Services) regarding plans for discharge from hospital
• develop plans for community based rehabilitation, as required.
Once discharged home, the team will:
- where indicated, provide a comprehensive, integrated rehabilitation package tailored to meet the needs of the individual
• collaborate with individuals and their families or carers to set goals and review progress
• monitor progress and provide information and advice to the individual and their family
• liaise with other community services, such as Social Services, education and other agencies who may offer support.
