brain injury basics for survivors and families in pennsylvania no brain injury is too mild to...

Brain Injury Basics Brain Injury Basics for Survivors and Families for Survivors and Families

in Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania

No Brain Injury is Too Mild to Ignore, No Brain Injury is Too Mild to Ignore,

or Too Severe to Lose Hope.or Too Severe to Lose Hope.

Acquired Brain Injury Network Of Pennsylvania, Inc.Acquired Brain Injury Network Of Pennsylvania, Inc.

09/01/200709/01/2007ABIN-PA InfoLine 215-699-2139 ABIN-PA InfoLine 215-699-2139

AcknowledgementAcknowledgement

Thank you to the Thank you to the

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Brain Injury Association of New Jersey

for permission to adapt theirfor permission to adapt their

presentation for survivors and familiespresentation for survivors and families

in Pennsylvania. in Pennsylvania.


What is a brain injury?What is a brain injury?

Brain injury is often labeled as Brain injury is often labeled as

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

or or

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)


Acquired Brain InjuryAcquired Brain Injury

An An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is: is: any injury to the brain, any injury to the brain, occurring after birth, occurring after birth, causing cognitive, behavioral or physical changes,causing cognitive, behavioral or physical changes, not due to an inherited, congenital, or degenerative not due to an inherited, congenital, or degenerative

condition. condition.

Causes of ABI include trauma, anoxia, aneurysm, brain Causes of ABI include trauma, anoxia, aneurysm, brain infection, stroke, drugs, and brain tumors.infection, stroke, drugs, and brain tumors.


Traumatic Brain InjuryTraumatic Brain Injury

A A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is: is: any injury to the brain, any injury to the brain, occurring after birth,occurring after birth, due to an external force, due to an external force, causing cognitive, behavioral or physical changes, causing cognitive, behavioral or physical changes, not due to an inherited, congenital, or degenerative not due to an inherited, congenital, or degenerative

condition.condition.

Causes of TBI include motor vehicle crashes, falls, Causes of TBI include motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, assaults, and blast injuries. sports injuries, assaults, and blast injuries.


““The Silent Epidemic”The Silent Epidemic”

It is estimated that It is estimated that

5.3 million5.3 million Americans Americans

already live with a disability as a result already live with a disability as a result of traumatic brain injury alone, not of traumatic brain injury alone, not including the estimated 200,000 including the estimated 200,000

veterans returning home with brain veterans returning home with brain injury from Afghanistan and Iraq.injury from Afghanistan and Iraq.


50,000

235,000Hospitalizations

Deaths

1,111,000Emergency Department Visits

?? Receiving Other Medical Care or No Care ??

From the 2004 CDC Report: TBI in the United Sates: ED Visits, Hospitalizations and Deaths

TBI in the United States Average annual

numbers, 1995-2000


Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic Brain Injury in Pennsylvaniain Pennsylvania

Approximately Approximately 2,0002,000 adults and children die adults and children die

each year and each year and 7,8007,800 survivors are survivors are hospitalized duehospitalized due

to traumatic brain injury alone.to traumatic brain injury alone.

More than More than 41,00041,000 survivors are treated survivors are treated

each year in emergency rooms for TBI and each year in emergency rooms for TBI and sent home.sent home.


Brain Injury Programs Brain Injury Programs in Pennsylvaniain Pennsylvania

TBI - rehabilitation and support through the TBI - rehabilitation and support through the CommCare Waiver or the Head Injury CommCare Waiver or the Head Injury

Program. Program.

TBI or ABI - rehabilitation and support TBI or ABI - rehabilitation and support through the OBRA Waiver if disabled prior through the OBRA Waiver if disabled prior

to age 22.to age 22.

TBI or ABI - support through the TBI or ABI - support through the Independence or Attendant Care WaiversIndependence or Attendant Care Waivers

Barb Dively


Changes Over the YearsChanges Over the Years

30 years ago –30 years ago –

50% of those with a 50% of those with a TBI died as a result TBI died as a result

of the injury.of the injury.

Today –Today –

22% die as a result 22% die as a result of TBI of TBI..


Functions of the BrainFunctions of the Brain

The best way toThe best way to

understand the understand the effects of an effects of an

injury to the braininjury to the brain

is to understand theis to understand the

function of each function of each area of the brain area of the brain

and related and related systems andsystems and

structures.structures.


The Brain has Two Hemispheres The Brain has Two Hemispheres

The brain is like two halves of an appleThe brain is like two halves of an apple Each right and left hemisphere has :Each right and left hemisphere has :

a frontal lobe behind the foreheada frontal lobe behind the forehead a parietal lobe near the top of the heada parietal lobe near the top of the head a temporal lobe above the eara temporal lobe above the ear an occipital lobe at the back of the headan occipital lobe at the back of the head


Frontal LobesFrontal Lobes

The frontal lobes are located behind your The frontal lobes are located behind your forehead in the front of your brain. forehead in the front of your brain.

Your frontal lobes manage and control your Your frontal lobes manage and control your

planning, organization, problem solving, planning, organization, problem solving, reasoning, emotions and motor skills. reasoning, emotions and motor skills.


Parietal LobesParietal Lobes The parietal lobes are located near the crown of The parietal lobes are located near the crown of

your head, above your occipital lobes. Your your head, above your occipital lobes. Your parietal lobes manage the way your brain parietal lobes manage the way your brain

responds to incoming information such as responds to incoming information such as

being touched, loud noises, bright lights.being touched, loud noises, bright lights.


Temporal LobesTemporal Lobes

The temporal lobes are located at the sides The temporal lobes are located at the sides of your brain, above your ears. Your of your brain, above your ears. Your

temporal lobes manage your auditory temporal lobes manage your auditory processing, attaching meaning to the processing, attaching meaning to the

sounds you hear. sounds you hear.


Occipital LobesOccipital Lobes

The occipital lobes are located at each side of the The occipital lobes are located at each side of the back of your brain. Your occipital lobes supply back of your brain. Your occipital lobes supply

meaning to what you see. meaning to what you see.

Damage to this area may result in neurologic Damage to this area may result in neurologic visual impairment.visual impairment.


Brain StemBrain Stem

The brain stem is The brain stem is

located at the base of your skull. The brain located at the base of your skull. The brain stem regulates life-sustaining functions stem regulates life-sustaining functions such as your blood pressure, heart rate, such as your blood pressure, heart rate,

breathing and body temperature. breathing and body temperature.

Damage to your brain stem could result in an Damage to your brain stem could result in an altered state of consciousness, such as altered state of consciousness, such as

coma.coma.


CerebellumCerebellum

The cerebellum is located at the back of The cerebellum is located at the back of your head between your skull and your your head between your skull and your

brain stem. The cerebellum is responsible brain stem. The cerebellum is responsible for your muscle coordination and balance. for your muscle coordination and balance.


Severity of InjurySeverity of Injury

Sometimes a brain injury is described Sometimes a brain injury is described according to the amount of medical care according to the amount of medical care that is needed initially, such as: that is needed initially, such as:

Mild Brain Injury,Mild Brain Injury, Moderate Brain Injury, orModerate Brain Injury, or Severe Brain Injury.Severe Brain Injury.


Mild Brain InjuryMild Brain Injury

Not Just A Bump On The Head!Not Just A Bump On The Head!

If loss of consciousness occurs, it is very brief, If loss of consciousness occurs, it is very brief, usually a few seconds or minutes.usually a few seconds or minutes.

The survivor may be dazed or confused.The survivor may be dazed or confused. Permanent physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral Permanent physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral

impairments may or may not occur. impairments may or may not occur. Testing or brain scans may appear normal.Testing or brain scans may appear normal. A concussion is considered a mild brain injury.A concussion is considered a mild brain injury.


Moderate Brain InjuryModerate Brain Injury

Loss of consciousness may last from a few Loss of consciousness may last from a few minutes to a few hours or a day or so.minutes to a few hours or a day or so.

Confusion may last days, weeks or longer.Confusion may last days, weeks or longer. Permanent physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral Permanent physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral

impairments may or may not occur. impairments may or may not occur. Testing or brain scans may appear normal.Testing or brain scans may appear normal.


Severe Brain InjurySevere Brain Injury

A prolonged unconscious state or coma lasts A prolonged unconscious state or coma lasts days, weeks, or months. days, weeks, or months.

Survivors can make significant improvements, Survivors can make significant improvements, but are often left with permanent physical, but are often left with permanent physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairments.cognitive, or behavioral impairments.


Severity vs. OutcomeSeverity vs. Outcome

Severity of injury does not predict the outcome. Severity of injury does not predict the outcome. Survivors of a mild brain injury may have ongoing Survivors of a mild brain injury may have ongoing

difficulties for years to come and, in contrast, difficulties for years to come and, in contrast, survivors of a severe brain injury may make survivors of a severe brain injury may make

marked improvements over time. marked improvements over time.

Every brain injury is unique.Every brain injury is unique.


Each Situation is UniqueEach Situation is Unique

Each injury results from a event with a Each injury results from a event with a specific emotional meaning. specific emotional meaning.

Each injury causes unique damage. Each injury causes unique damage. Each injury happens to a unique Each injury happens to a unique

individual. individual. Each path to recovery will be unique. Each path to recovery will be unique.


Survivors May Feel LostSurvivors May Feel Lost

I feel like a stranger on an alien planet with I feel like a stranger on an alien planet with unfamiliar language and customs. unfamiliar language and customs.

I feel that I am buried alive. I feel that I am buried alive. I don’t know who I am or who I was. I don’t know who I am or who I was. I feel totally alone because I don’t I feel totally alone because I don’t

recognize faces or remember my friends recognize faces or remember my friends or family. or family.


Survivors May be Out of TouchSurvivors May be Out of Touch

Nothing has happened. Nothing has happened. I don’t need or want help. I don’t need or want help. I will be back to my old life in a few days, I will be back to my old life in a few days,

weeks, or months. weeks, or months. No sense of time, day/night, weekday vs. No sense of time, day/night, weekday vs.

weekend, holidays, weather. weekend, holidays, weather. May misread situations and react too May misread situations and react too

slowly, too little or too strongly. slowly, too little or too strongly.


Brain Injury & FamiliesBrain Injury & Families

Just as each brain injury is unique, brain injury will Just as each brain injury is unique, brain injury will affect each family differently. affect each family differently.

Brain injury often changes the roles and Brain injury often changes the roles and responsibilities of family members. Changes in responsibilities of family members. Changes in a loved one can be so drastic that it seems a a loved one can be so drastic that it seems a

stranger came home from the hospital. stranger came home from the hospital.


Parental RelationshipsParental Relationships

Parents of children, adolescents, and adults Parents of children, adolescents, and adults

with brain injury may become lifelong with brain injury may become lifelong

caregivers of their sons and daughters.caregivers of their sons and daughters.


Sibling RelationshipsSibling Relationships

Siblings may receive less attention from parents Siblings may receive less attention from parents and may take on a lifelong responsibility of and may take on a lifelong responsibility of

worrying and caregiving.worrying and caregiving.


Spousal RelationshipsSpousal Relationships

A spouse’s relationship may shift mildly or A spouse’s relationship may shift mildly or drastically from one of partner to one of drastically from one of partner to one of

caregiver.caregiver.


Child-Parent RelationshipsChild-Parent Relationships

The child of a parent with a brain injury may The child of a parent with a brain injury may experience a role reversal.experience a role reversal.

When very young, the child may care for the When very young, the child may care for the injured parent and also receive less attention injured parent and also receive less attention

from the caregiving parent.from the caregiving parent.


Grief & Loss Grief & Loss for the Survivorfor the Survivor

Possible loss of identity, self-esteem, self-control, Possible loss of identity, self-esteem, self-control, expression/communication, independence, expression/communication, independence,

relationships, mobility, vocational/career identity, relationships, mobility, vocational/career identity, productivity, income and assets.productivity, income and assets.


Grief & Loss Grief & Loss for the Familyfor the Family

Possible change in relationships, dreams for Possible change in relationships, dreams for the loved one, responsibilities as the loved one, responsibilities as

caregiver, personal freedom, lifestyle, caregiver, personal freedom, lifestyle, income and assets.income and assets.


Stages of GriefStages of Grief

Survivors of brain injury and their family Survivors of brain injury and their family members commonly go through several members commonly go through several

stages of grief. These stages can overlap, stages of grief. These stages can overlap, and begin again as new aspects of loss and begin again as new aspects of loss

are recognized over time. are recognized over time.


Stages of Grief Can OverlapStages of Grief Can Overlap

DenialDenial AngerAnger BargainingBargaining DepressionDepression AcceptanceAcceptance


DenialDenial

As after any terrible experience, a survivor As after any terrible experience, a survivor or family member may act as if it did not or family member may act as if it did not

happen.happen.

““This could not have happened to me.”This could not have happened to me.”

““She’ll be her old self again soon.”She’ll be her old self again soon.”


AngerAnger

Once an individual realizes that the event Once an individual realizes that the event occurred, anger and frustration will follow. occurred, anger and frustration will follow.

The anger can be directed at doctors, The anger can be directed at doctors, family, friends, God, and even at himself or family, friends, God, and even at himself or

herself.herself.

““The doctor doesn’t know anything.”The doctor doesn’t know anything.”

““No one is helpful.”No one is helpful.”


BargainingBargaining

Trying to make deals.Trying to make deals.

““I’ll be a perfect person if my son can be I’ll be a perfect person if my son can be normal again.”normal again.”

““I will never do ____ again if you let me I will never do ____ again if you let me return to my old self.”return to my old self.”


DepressionDepression

This is a very difficult and painful stage of This is a very difficult and painful stage of recovery for survivors of brain injury and recovery for survivors of brain injury and

their family members.their family members.

““What’s the use? Nothing will ever be the What’s the use? Nothing will ever be the same again.”same again.”

““Why bother with rehab?”Why bother with rehab?”


AcceptanceAcceptance

As time passes, survivors and families can As time passes, survivors and families can come to accept the changes that have come to accept the changes that have

taken place.taken place.

Nothing can make life as it was before, but Nothing can make life as it was before, but life can be interesting and worthwhile.life can be interesting and worthwhile.


Living With Brain InjuryLiving With Brain Injury

Brain injury will affect each survivor and Brain injury will affect each survivor and family member differently, but there are family member differently, but there are

many common consequences.many common consequences.

The following information is offered to help The following information is offered to help survivors and family members cope with survivors and family members cope with

the common consequences of brain injury. the common consequences of brain injury.


Cognitive ConsequencesCognitive Consequences

Difficulty with...Difficulty with... MemoryMemory

PersistencePersistence

Decision makingDecision making

OrganizationOrganization

PlanningPlanning

Self-perceptionSelf-perception

AttentionAttention

ThinkingThinking Problem solvingProblem solving SequencingSequencing PerceptionPerception JudgmentJudgment

InflexibilityInflexibility Processing speedProcessing speed ConcentrationConcentration


Physical ConsequencesPhysical Consequences

SeizuresSeizures Muscle spasticityMuscle spasticity FatigueFatigue HeadachesHeadaches Balance problemsBalance problems Speech difficultiesSpeech difficulties

Visual difficultiesVisual difficulties Hemiparesis (paralysis)Hemiparesis (paralysis)


Emotional/Behavioral Emotional/Behavioral ConsequencesConsequences

DepressionDepression AnxietyAnxiety Mood swingsMood swings ImpulsivityImpulsivity IrritabilityIrritability

Social withdrawalSocial withdrawal AggressionAggression Lack of motivationLack of motivation Egocentric behaviorsEgocentric behaviors Lack of self-awarenessLack of self-awareness Inappropriate behavior Inappropriate behavior

and/or languageand/or language Sexual dysfunctionSexual dysfunction Feelings of lonelinessFeelings of loneliness


Strategies for Strategies for Living with Brain InjuryLiving with Brain Injury

One of the most important things survivors One of the most important things survivors and families can do is establish structure, and families can do is establish structure, consistency, and repetition in family life. consistency, and repetition in family life.


StructureStructure

Each survivor and family member needs a Each survivor and family member needs a schedule.schedule.

The environment must be kept organized.The environment must be kept organized. Calendars, notebooks, wall charts, and visual Calendars, notebooks, wall charts, and visual

aids can serve as reminders, but do not aids can serve as reminders, but do not overwhelm anyone with too much information.overwhelm anyone with too much information.


Consistency & RepetitionConsistency & Repetition

Remain consistent in what you do Remain consistent in what you do Remain consistent in what you expect Remain consistent in what you expect Model the behavior you want to encourage Model the behavior you want to encourage Provide a feeling of safety through predictability. Provide a feeling of safety through predictability. Use frequent repetition to promote new learning. Use frequent repetition to promote new learning.


Breaking Down TasksBreaking Down Tasks

It is always best to break tasks into steps, whether It is always best to break tasks into steps, whether it be completing paperwork for Social Security it be completing paperwork for Social Security

Disability or preparing a meal. Disability or preparing a meal.

Expecting large projects to be completed all at Expecting large projects to be completed all at once is a prescription for failure.once is a prescription for failure.


Minimizing DistractionsMinimizing Distractions

Remove distractions to minimize Remove distractions to minimize overstimulation and cognitive overload.overstimulation and cognitive overload.


Anticipating Stressful EventsAnticipating Stressful Events

Anticipate stressful situations, and avoid them or Anticipate stressful situations, and avoid them or take steps to minimize their impact.take steps to minimize their impact.

For example, if large family gatherings or crowded For example, if large family gatherings or crowded stores are cognitively overwhelming, you may stores are cognitively overwhelming, you may

not want to stay very long. not want to stay very long.


Watch for DepressionWatch for DepressionSigns of depression include:Signs of depression include: Changes in eating habitsChanges in eating habits

Changes in sleeping habitsChanges in sleeping habits Remarks about the futility of lifeRemarks about the futility of life

Dwelling on the pastDwelling on the past Excessive time spent in non-active ways Excessive time spent in non-active ways

like watching too much televisionlike watching too much television


Behavioral ConsequencesBehavioral Consequences

An estimated 90% of all survivors who are An estimated 90% of all survivors who are severely disabled may experience some related severely disabled may experience some related emotional, behavioral or psychiatric problems.emotional, behavioral or psychiatric problems.

40% of these survivors will still have behavioral 40% of these survivors will still have behavioral issues 5 years after the injury.* issues 5 years after the injury.*

*Brain Injury Association of America*Brain Injury Association of America



Survivors and family members must be alert for Survivors and family members must be alert for behavioral problems following a mild brain injury, behavioral problems following a mild brain injury, including depression, mood changes, irritability including depression, mood changes, irritability

and fatigue. and fatigue.



Behavioral problems can range from mildBehavioral problems can range from mild

personality changes to persistent difficultypersonality changes to persistent difficulty

controlling emotions, lack of inhibition,controlling emotions, lack of inhibition,

trouble managing one’s behavior, or even violenttrouble managing one’s behavior, or even violent

outbursts.outbursts.



Changes in behavior can create problems:Changes in behavior can create problems:

In a marriage or relationshipIn a marriage or relationship With children, siblings, parents and relativesWith children, siblings, parents and relatives With friends and social relationshipsWith friends and social relationships At work and at school At work and at school

And should And should nevernever be ignored be ignored


Behavioral AssistanceBehavioral Assistance

Professionals who can assist you withProfessionals who can assist you withbehavioral challenges include:behavioral challenges include:

Neuropsychologists who can assess the Neuropsychologists who can assess the relationships between the brain injury, the relationships between the brain injury, the behavior and cognition;behavior and cognition;

Neuropsychiatrists who can prescribe Neuropsychiatrists who can prescribe medications to address mood, thinking or medications to address mood, thinking or behavior.behavior.


Anticipate Your Challenges Anticipate Your Challenges

Learn to anticipate when you will become Learn to anticipate when you will become overwhelmed (hungry, tired, ill, confused)overwhelmed (hungry, tired, ill, confused)

Identify specific situations or events (changes in Identify specific situations or events (changes in routine, dealing with difficult tasks or individuals)routine, dealing with difficult tasks or individuals)

Identify signals that you are becoming upset Identify signals that you are becoming upset (facial expressions, body language, choice of (facial expressions, body language, choice of words, sighing)words, sighing)


Identify Your SolutionsIdentify Your Solutions

What relieves your stress? What relieves your stress?


Possible Stress RelieversPossible Stress Relievers

eatingeating closing your eyesclosing your eyes

resting resting taking deep breathstaking deep breaths

getting a huggetting a hug readingreading

TVTV taking a walktaking a walk

playing solitaireplaying solitaire taking a showertaking a shower

YESYES SometimesSometimes

NONO Don’t Don’t know!know!


Make Your Action Plan Make Your Action Plan

Work together with family or friends to create a Work together with family or friends to create a action plan for each potentially overwhelming action plan for each potentially overwhelming situation - an advance plan will help everyone to situation - an advance plan will help everyone to remain calm.remain calm.

Know when to seek the help of a professional – Know when to seek the help of a professional – you don’t have to do it all yourself.you don’t have to do it all yourself.


Build on Your StrengthsBuild on Your Strengths

Remain involved in activities to avoid boredomRemain involved in activities to avoid boredom Stay connected to prevent social isolationStay connected to prevent social isolation Be as independent as possibleBe as independent as possible Accept coaching, welcome encouragement and Accept coaching, welcome encouragement and

reward yourself for positive behaviorreward yourself for positive behavior Understand that everyone may be doing their Understand that everyone may be doing their

best very in difficult circumstancesbest very in difficult circumstances


Support SystemsSupport Systems

Develop a support system for yourself and your Develop a support system for yourself and your family to prevent social isolation. family to prevent social isolation.

This could include family, friends, support groups, This could include family, friends, support groups, a mentor, a local church group, social and a mentor, a local church group, social and

recreational groups in the community, and your recreational groups in the community, and your local Independent Living Center. local Independent Living Center.


Get InvolvedGet Involved

Daily activities like returning to work, Daily activities like returning to work, volunteering, taking a class, and volunteering, taking a class, and

participating in community activities will participating in community activities will provide a structured routine, decrease provide a structured routine, decrease

social isolation, increase self-esteem and social isolation, increase self-esteem and promote recovery.promote recovery.


Emphasize IndependenceEmphasize Independence

““Family members or caregivers should let Family members or caregivers should let the recovering TBI survivor burn dinner the recovering TBI survivor burn dinner

every night if necessary but step in if the every night if necessary but step in if the house is burning down.” – Claudia Osbornhouse is burning down.” – Claudia Osborn

Be as responsible as you can, and learn Be as responsible as you can, and learn from your mistakes. from your mistakes.


Things to RememberThings to Remember

Every individual is different, everyEvery individual is different, every

injury is unique, and improvement injury is unique, and improvement happens with time!happens with time!

Understand everyone’s current abilities and Understand everyone’s current abilities and limitations.limitations.

Listen to your loved ones.Listen to your loved ones. Treat each other in an age appropriate manner.Treat each other in an age appropriate manner.


Things to RememberThings to Remember

Each person needs to have control Each person needs to have control over his or her own life.over his or her own life.

Without such control, dissatisfaction,Without such control, dissatisfaction,

frustration, resentment and depression are frustration, resentment and depression are likely to occur.likely to occur.


Tips for CaregiversTips for Caregivers

Take care of yourself. You will need Take care of yourself. You will need

to sleep and eat to maintain to sleep and eat to maintain

your strength and well-being.your strength and well-being.


Ask for Help & DelegateAsk for Help & Delegate

Ask for help with responsibilities such as Ask for help with responsibilities such as household chores or errands. household chores or errands.

Ask for visitors and companions.Ask for visitors and companions.

Friends and family often want to help, but Friends and family often want to help, but don’t know what to do.don’t know what to do.


Emotional Support for AllEmotional Support for All

Make sure you have someone to express your Make sure you have someone to express your emotions to, someone to accompany you to emotions to, someone to accompany you to

appointments, and someone to have fun with.appointments, and someone to have fun with.

You do not always have to be strong. You can You do not always have to be strong. You can accept help. Each person in the family needs a accept help. Each person in the family needs a

friend, relative or advocate who listens.friend, relative or advocate who listens.


Become an AdvocateBecome an Advocate

Survivors and family members will often need to Survivors and family members will often need to educate others about brain injury. educate others about brain injury.

Learn about brain injury, question the rehabilitation Learn about brain injury, question the rehabilitation team, be involved, use articles, books and team, be involved, use articles, books and videos to become an educated advocate. videos to become an educated advocate.


Acquired Brain Injury Network Acquired Brain Injury Network of Pennsylvaniaof Pennsylvania

Founded in 2007 by survivors and family Founded in 2007 by survivors and family members, ABIN-PA is a statewide members, ABIN-PA is a statewide

organization dedicated to raising public organization dedicated to raising public awareness about acquired brain injury and to awareness about acquired brain injury and to

providing support, education, information, providing support, education, information, advocacy and other services for individuals advocacy and other services for individuals with acquired brain injury and their families.with acquired brain injury and their families.


ABIN-PA Programs & ResourcesABIN-PA Programs & Resources

Information & Resources Information & Resources

InfoLine at 215-699-2139InfoLine at 215-699-2139

[email protected]@abin-pa.org

www.abin-pa.orgwww.abin-pa.org



MentoringMentoring

ABIN-PA members help each other develop ABIN-PA members help each other develop skills by participating in ABIN-PA skills by participating in ABIN-PA

activities. activities.



County Trainings County Trainings

for Survivors and Familiesfor Survivors and Families In each county, survivors and family members In each county, survivors and family members

provide presentations such as this to existing provide presentations such as this to existing groups and the general public. groups and the general public.

Contact ABIN-PA to volunteer or to schedule a Contact ABIN-PA to volunteer or to schedule a presentation. presentation.



Staying in TouchStaying in Touch E-List:E-List: frequent emails on brain injury frequent emails on brain injury

and disability topics.and disability topics. Newsletter:Newsletter: free monthly snail-mail on free monthly snail-mail on

organization activities, features.organization activities, features. Website:Website: brochures, PowerPoints, brochures, PowerPoints,

resources, support groupsresources, support groups


ABIN-PA is a Volunteer ABIN-PA is a Volunteer OrganizationOrganization

Survivors and family members increase Survivors and family members increase public awareness by distributing public awareness by distributing

brochures, making presentations and brochures, making presentations and participating in public meetings at the state participating in public meetings at the state

and county level. and county level.

YOU CAN HELP!YOU CAN HELP!


ResourcesResources

Here are a few of the available resources. Here are a few of the available resources.

For further information contact:For further information contact:

ABIN-PA InfoLine ABIN-PA InfoLine

215-699-2139.215-699-2139.


Aging & Disability Resource Aging & Disability Resource Centers - CarlisleCenters - Carlisle

Cumberland LinkCumberland Link145 South Hanover Street145 South Hanover StreetCarlisle, PA 17013Carlisle, PA 17013

Phone: (717)240-7887Phone: (717)240-7887Toll Free: 1-866-570-LINKToll Free: 1-866-570-LINKTTY: (717) 240-7893TTY: (717) 240-7893Fax: (717) 243-8005Fax: (717) 243-8005e-mail: e-mail: [email protected]@ccpa.net


Aging & Disability Resource Aging & Disability Resource Centers - PittsburghCenters - Pittsburgh

The Disability ConnectionThe Disability Connection 1-877-755-52221-877-755-5222 disabilityconnection@disabilityconnection@ dhs.county.allegheny.pa.usdhs.county.allegheny.pa.us Human Services BuildingHuman Services Building

One Smithfield StreetOne Smithfield StreetFirst FloorFirst FloorPittsburgh, PA 15222-2225 Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2225


Pennsylvania Head Injury Pennsylvania Head Injury

ProgramProgram

One year of brain injury rehabilitation to One year of brain injury rehabilitation to those with financial need. those with financial need.

Department of HealthDepartment of Health

Brain Injury Help Line: Brain Injury Help Line:

1-866-412-47551-866-412-4755


CommCare WaiverCommCare Waiver

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Medicaid CommCare WaiverMedicaid CommCare WaiverProvides support at home, services and Provides support at home, services and

rehabilitation. rehabilitation. To locate your enrollment provider,To locate your enrollment provider,

Contact the DPW Waiver Help Line at:Contact the DPW Waiver Help Line at:

1-800-757-50421-800-757-5042


Additional Medicaid WaiversAdditional Medicaid Waivers

Developmental Disabilities (OBRA)Developmental Disabilities (OBRA) Michael Dallas (technology dependent)Michael Dallas (technology dependent)

Mental Retardation/ Intellectual DisabilitiesMental Retardation/ Intellectual Disabilities Personal Assistance (Attendant Care) Personal Assistance (Attendant Care)

Elderly Elderly Contact the DPW Waiver Help Line at:Contact the DPW Waiver Help Line at:

1-800-757-50421-800-757-5042


Employment ServicesEmployment Services

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

Provides services to individuals of employable ageProvides services to individuals of employable age

with disabilities. Check your local phone bookwith disabilities. Check your local phone book


Social SecuritySocial Security

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits for individuals who have enough Social Security Benefits for individuals who have enough Social Security

credits and a severe physical or mental impairment.credits and a severe physical or mental impairment.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Supplemental Security Income (SSI)A Federal program established for the aged and individualsA Federal program established for the aged and individuals

with disabilities who have a low income and few assets.with disabilities who have a low income and few assets.

1-800-772-12131-800-772-1213


County AssistanceCounty Assistance

County Assistance OfficesCounty Assistance OfficesServices include food stamps, general assistance,Services include food stamps, general assistance,

emergency assistance, medical assistance, andemergency assistance, medical assistance, and

support services to individuals with disabilities.support services to individuals with disabilities.

Check your local telephone directory.Check your local telephone directory.


Resources for Senior CitizensResources for Senior Citizens

Area Agencies on AgingArea Agencies on Aging52 local offices that provide information and 52 local offices that provide information and

programs on issues that affect seniors and their programs on issues that affect seniors and their caregivers. caregivers.

Check your telephone directory.Check your telephone directory.


Promoting IndependencePromoting Independence

Independent Living CentersIndependent Living CentersCommunity-based, consumer driven organizationsCommunity-based, consumer driven organizations

for individuals with disabilities.for individuals with disabilities.

http://www.pcil.net/CILprofile.htmhttp://www.pcil.net/CILprofile.htm


Building New Lives TogetherBuilding New Lives Together

Many have taken this journey, Many have taken this journey, But no one has done it alone. But no one has done it alone.

Be there for each other, Be there for each other, Share sorrows and triumphs, Share sorrows and triumphs,

While building new lives over old. While building new lives over old.

Acquired Brain Injury Acquired Brain Injury Network of Network of

Pennsylvania, Inc.Pennsylvania, Inc. 215-699-2139215-699-2139

www.abin-pa.orgwww.abin-pa.org

[email protected]@abin-pa.org

brain injury basics for survivors and families in pennsylvania no brain injury is too mild to...

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