Services for Clients with Brain Injuries

Bringing independence, dignity and a better
quality of life to individuals with brain injuries

The Unique Needs of Individuals with Brain Injuries

Unlike general home care service providers, Support Workers for individuals with brain injuries require some very specific knowledge, special skills, and related experiences. Most people with brain injuries face considerable physical, emotional and adaptation challenges. Support Workers must have the knowledge to anticipate these challenges before they arise and approach them in a positive manner. At the same time, they must seek opportunities for encouraging independence and confidence in their clients. This is fundamental to giving these brain injured people

On-going Support for Clients-in-Transition

Following trauma, individuals with brain injuries are frequently provided with some funding that allows for informal caregivers to provide care. However, for this transition phase, these caregivers are often inadequately prepared.

wecare™ plays a supportive role, working with clients and families while they transition from acute and/or rehab care institutions to a manageable home environment. Some or all of the following services can be provided, often in conjunction with community and publicly-funded resources.

• Assist discharge planners to support individuals to make the transition back into their homes and communities.
• Provide training for family and informal caregivers in the special skills required to care for clients following brain injury.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required for organizing daily routines, maintaining equipment and calling in specialized resources when needed.
• Provide periodic health reviews to identify potential problems, to respond to needs for health teaching, thus preventing complications and hospital admissions.
• Assist clients and caregivers to recruit, retain and provide training for the most suitable specialized attendants.
• Give respite time to allow family members to have rest and personal time.
• Provide other specialized services on a periodic basis with the benefit of continuity from wecare™ home care professionals.

Skill Development Program:

wecare™ trains its home care staff through this skill development program in six modules.

1. The Brain and Behaviour
   Provides an understanding of the brain's anatomy and physiology, with applications to disabilities and behavioural changes that are a result of brain injuries.
   
   
2. Principles of Respect
   Brings an understanding of the importance of self-esteem in recovery following brain injury. Emphasizes Whatever It Takes principles.
   
   
3. Communication Skills and Memory Enhancement
   Provides an understanding of memory impairment, speech and language challenges. Supports the client and the family in facing multiple losses - loss of job, earnings, dreams, respect, independence, mobility, and future.
   
   
4. Challenging Behaviours
   Develops an awareness of normal and inappropriate behaviours for individuals with brain injuries. Focuses on principles of adult learning, and explores ways of
   coaching clients as they face important physical, emotional and cognitive deficits.
   
   
5. Substance Abuse
   Identifies signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Supports clients in enhancing feelings of self-love and independence.
   
   
6. The Family
   Develops an understanding of issues involving a family in transition and of coping strategies and skills. Promotes independence in the family unit, encourages self-care. Brings to the caring process objectivity, sensible suggestions, constructive insights and practical support.