Acquired Brain Injury: care and support
What is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
When brain damage occurs during your lifetime, this is referred to as Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This can be caused by a blow to the head during, for example, a traffic accident or a fall (traumatic brain injury). It can also occur after a stroke, brain (meningeal) infection, or a brain tumor (non-traumatic brain injury).
In our article "What is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?" you can learn more about the causes and symptoms of ABI. In this article, we will provide more information about the care and support available for people with ABI.
Care and Support for People with ABI
The care and support for people with ABI can be divided into three phases:
- The acute phase – the care provided in the hospital immediately after the brain injury occurs. This phase is very important as prompt medical assistance can influence recovery and long-term effects.
- The recovery phase – during this phase, care and support focus on physical recovery.
- The chronic phase – in this phase, people with ABI and their loved ones experience the impact of the injury on their daily lives.
Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, various forms of care and support are available for ABI. These are aimed at reducing symptoms, increasing self-reliance, and improving quality of life.
Care and Housing
Some people with brain injuries receive 24-hour care at a residential facility. Continuous care and supervision are provided, which can include medical care, personal care, and assistance with daily activities.
In supported living, a person lives in a residential facility where guidance is available at scheduled times to help with daily activities and supervision, but not 24 hours a day.
In individual support at home, a person lives independently in their own home. You receive assistance a few times a week at agreed times with tasks such as managing your finances, daily structure and planning, or household chores. The goal is to live as independently as possible.
(Day) treatment
Day treatment helps people with acquired brain injury improve their physical and cognitive abilities and self-reliance. The treatment consists of specific therapies, based on a personalized treatment plan and delivered by professionals specializing in ABI care. This may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological support and social and emotional assistance
Day activities
Day activities focus on providing a structured and meaningful daily routine with activities that promote well-being and prevent social isolation. Examples of activities include:
- Creative activities
- Sports and games
- Music and dance
- Social activities such as coffee breaks and board games
- Cooking activities
Technological tools
Technological tools can help people with brain injuries become more independent and improve their quality of life.
BBrain calendar clocks offer orientation in time and support with daily planning and structure. The BBrain Family also enhances social interaction with family and friends. Below, Hilde and Karin, two women with acquired brain injury, share their experiences with one of the BBrain calendar clocks:
Hilde lives in her own apartment. She has acquired brain injury due to two unfortunate falls and struggles with tasks such as planning and structuring her day. Read how the BBrain Reminder Day Clock helps her with this.
Karin has acquired brain injury due to a brain hemorrhage. She finds it difficult to use a laptop, but the BBrain Family helps her stay connected in the 21st century, which is very important to her.
Brenda shares more about working with people with ABI and how technological aids can also support ABI professionals.