Helping those who have experienced brain injuries after birth.
Our program works with people who have experienced brain injuries after birth – known as acquired brain injuries or ABI. They can result from:
- Medical problems or diseases, such as the brain not getting enough oxygen, a tumor, brain aneurysm, infection or a stroke. This is also known as a non-traumatic brain injury.
Or - Traumatic injuries, such as car accidents, falls, assaults or sports-related injury.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is different than a congenital disorder (develops before birth) or degenerative brain disorder (steady decline).
- Examples of a congenital disorder or developmental disability, are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, spina bifida with hydrocephalus,
Degenerative brain disorder is the result of a process that gradually damages the brain, such as dementia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
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Signs of an acquired brain injury
Acquired brain injuries can affect various aspects of life, including:
- Changes to thinking, including: Trouble with memory, organization, focus, problem-solving, planning and communication.
- Physical changes, including: Weakness, difficulty moving body parts, balance and coordination issues.
- Behavioural and personality changes: Increased anger, irritability, impatience, sadness or anxiety.
- Changes to thinking, including: Trouble with memory, organization, focus, problem-solving, planning and communication.
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Available services
We offer various services for people with acquired brain injuries:
1. Community Support and Case ManagementOur ABI case managers work with clients living in their homes. They help with organizing routines, safety, navigating health services and more. This approach is tailored to the individual and may include:
- Support with daily routines, safety and navigating the health care system.
- Coordinating access to other health services.
- Providing contracted services at home, such as community support workers.
- Focusing on community integration and existing services.
- Offering counseling services.
- Assessing placement in community beds or counseling services.
Our team includes:
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Registered nurses
- Physiotherapist
- Speech language pathologist
- Recreation therapist
- Substance use clinicians
- Behaviour analyst
- Psychologist
If you're living at home with a brain injury, we can help with daily activities and household tasks. We work with you to develop the skills to stay independent in your community.
2. Day programs
Our day programs offer activities and therapies to improve thinking and physical abilities. These programs run during the day and provide opportunities to meet others with acquired brain injuries.
3. Specialized acquired brain injury community beds
We have different care levels for clients with moderate to severe brain injuries. Settings include small facilities, group homes, assisted living and supported apartment programs. Considerations for placement include personal care requirements, behaviour, cognition, rehabilitation needs and safety awareness. Some programs support clients with substance use issues using a recovery or harm reduction approach. Clients are assessed using standardized tools to determine their appropriate care level.
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Requesting Acquired Brain Injury Services
To receive our services, you should be:
- 19 years or older.
- Diagnosed with an acquired brain injury.
- Living in the Fraser Health region from Burnaby to Boston Bar.
- Needing help with daily activities and staying independent in the community.
- Not eligible for services from other funders (i.e., ICBC, the Crime Victim Assistance Program, Short or Long Term Disability Programs).
If you have specific questions about receiving services, please call our intake line at 604-514-7460.
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After requesting Acquired Brain Injury Services
A member of our team will contact you to discuss your application or referral and determine how we can support you.
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Are there costs?
You may need to pay for some specialized care resources based on your income. The amount you pay depends on your income and will be reviewed each year.
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How long will I receive these services?
We offer services for both short-term and long-term needs. We'll set goals together and regularly check your progress to ensure the services are still right for you.
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Additional resources