Life after TBI: Changes and Challenges

While timely medical care and intensive rehabilitation can make a huge difference in quality of life for a person who has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI), for many survivors there remains a reality that both themselves and their loved ones must accept…that life in some ways will be changed forever. The difference between how things used to be and how they are now can be jarring, especially after hoping that you or your loved one will make progress and fully recover. With patience and practice, however, it can become easier over time to integrate these necessary changes into everyday life. 

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

According to the Center for Disease Control, the CDC, 2.9 million people suffer from brain injury every year, resulting in 56,000 deaths, 288,000 hospitalizations, and 2.5 million trips to the emergency room. Oftentimes, we expect brain injuries to arise from car accidents, mishaps on construction sites, or major accidents, but slips and falls around the house can also pose a threat if left untreated and can have dire consequences. 

Bringing Brain Injury Care Home

Returning home following a brain injury – regardless of severity – can be complex. It can be emotional, exciting, overwhelming, and even exhausting for both the individual, their family, and if present, their caregiver(s). If you are caring for a client, partner, spouse, child, relative, or close friend with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), preparing as much as possible beforehand could help to alleviate some of the stressful effects of the pressure of caring for someone with such a serious injury. Read along as we provide prep and care tips for the TBI caregiver community. 

Independent Living Skills Training (ILST): A breakdown

Experiencing any trauma can be challenging, especially when it affects the brain. Though it can feel isolating, a traumatic brain injury is not something we have to face alone. Independent Living Skills Training (ILST) is a Medicaid program specifically designed for those who have experienced a traumatic or acquired brain injury to learn the skills necessary to live safely and independently. ILST assists in recovering skills that have decreased as a result of onset of disability. It is geared towards individuals with progressive illnesses to help them maintain essential skills.