What supports are out there?


 * Support:


 * Once a survivor of TBI returns to the community, there are many different supports and services that need
 * to be put in place. These supports and services can range from a supportive living environment, counselling, one
 * on one community assistance, day programs, outpatient rehabilitation, family support, and support groups.


 * Supportive Living Environment: Not all individuals of TBI are able to live independently after the accident.
 * Some will need to be supported in a 24/7 living situation. For many this can be a group home where 4-5 individuals
 * with the same needs are living together in a supportive living environment with staff always available. For others
 * this can mean a nursing home or a long term care living facility. Another supportive living environment would be a
 * supported roommate or family where an individual lives with a single person or a family that is able to provide them
 * with the daily supports that they may need. Normally the hospital team will determine before discharge what type of
 * support an individual will need upon returning to the community.


 * Community Assistance: Some individuals of TBI are able to live independently, but may need short term assistance
 * in regaining some of the skills that were lost. These skills could be learning how to cook, organize their day, or return
 * to work,


 * Return to Work: The severity of the TBI will determine whether or not an individual is able to return to work.
 * If someone is cognitively able to return to work, there are many programs that can be funded through insurance that would
 * be able to assist with return to work training and determining what skills an individual still has and what skills are needed.


 * Counselling: Many individuals of TBI often feel that a part of them is lost; counselling is an effective way for many to
 * deal with the change that has happened. For some, the counselling that they receive from the social worker is enough, while for
 * others they need more in-depth counselling. It is important to effectively research counsellors before engaging in services,
 * for not all counsellors understand TBI and it is important to find a counsellor that suits the individual. Most counselling is
 * not publicly funded; therefore insurance can be beneficial if counselling is needed.


 * Day Program: In some circumstances the brain injury has been severe enough that an individual is not able to return to
 * “normal” functions of everyday life. It is crucial that some sort of stimulation and ongoing cognitive stimulation take place
 * in order for the brain to stay active and alert and to combat the onset of depression. In this case, suitable brain injury day
 * programs or a regimented routine of activity would be a good option. A social worker or recreational therapist would be able to
 * assist with finding appropriate programs and services.


 * Outpatient Rehabilitation: After discharge from the hospital, many individuals still need to have ongoing outpatient
 * rehabilitation. Some may be continued to be seen by the same team through the hospital, but on an outpatient basis, while
 * others may start with a new clinic and a new team at a purely outpatient clinic. Through outpatient rehabilitation, many
 * of the supports and skills from the OT and social worker will be transitioned into a community living situation.


 * Family Support: When an individual has an MVA and a brain injury is the result, it is not only the individual who goes
 * through the grief, loss and changes, but the family also suffers a lot. There are support groups and counselling services that
 * are geared for families; primarily parents, spouses and children of survivors of brain injury, to assist them with the transition
 * and the changes in their loved one. Often the social worker or occupational therapist will assist in finding the appropriate
 * resources and will assist in the family in the transition.


 * Support Groups: It can be overwhelming to find out that one now has a brain injury and that life as they once knew it will
 * never be the same. For many they feel alone and do not know where to turn. Support groups through brain injury agencies can
 * provide individuals from all walks of life and from all types of TBI to connect, form friendships and partnerships and to feel as
 * if they are one.


 * Case Management: Case Management is normally provided to individuals of TBI through their local brain injury agency. A case manager
 * or service coordinator, is often a social worker or will perform the same role as a social worker and assist an individual within
 * the community. They often will provide supports, services, referrals and help someone connect back to the community after a TBI.