The annual Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Awareness Week runs from May 16 to May 22 2023. It aims to raise awareness and understanding about brain injuries and improve the lives of ABI survivors with enhanced support and better social interactions. It highlights the importance of long-term care for these patients and the challenges they face in their journey towards recovery.

Long-term care for brain injury patients is a critical part of their recovery and rehabilitation journey. Brain injuries can have profound and lasting effects on individuals, impacting their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. It’s crucial to provide comprehensive and specialised care to support patients in their daily lives, optimise their independence, and enhance their quality of life.

In this article we’ll speak about brain injuries, what they are, how they affect a person’s life, and how you can support a loved one.

Causes of brain injury

Brain injuries can occur for various reasons, including acquired brain injury (ABI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

ABI refers to brain injuries that occur after birth and are not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. ABI can result from conditions such as stroke, infections, tumours, anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain), toxic exposure, or metabolic disorders.

TBI is caused by an external force. It often results from accidents such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, or other traumatic events that cause damage to the brain tissue.

What is Acquired Brain Injury?

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a broad term that encompasses damage to the brain that occurs after birth. ABI can result from various causes, such as trauma, infections, strokes, tumours, or other medical conditions. ABI can have diverse effects on individuals depending on the severity and location of the brain injury. It can result in physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural impairments that may require long-term care and support.

Effects and symptoms of brain injury

The effects of brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Physical symptoms may include:

  • impaired mobility
  • muscle weakness or spasticity
  • coordination difficulties
  • balance issues
  • speech or language problems
  • sensory impairments

Cognitive symptoms may include:

  • memory problems
  • difficulties with attention
  • concentration issues
  • problem-solving issues
  • problems with decision-making skills

Emotional and behavioural symptoms may include:

  • mood swings
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • impulsivity
  • changes in personality or behaviour

Unquestionably, these effects of brain injury can significantly impact the daily life and functioning of individuals and may require long-term care and support.

Can you make a full recovery from a severe brain injury?

Recovery can vary widely depending on the person, the severity of the injury, and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation and care received.

While some people make a full recovery from a severe brain injury, many may experience long-term effects. This can mean they require ongoing care and support to manage their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Rehabilitation, therapies, and specialised care play a crucial role in maximising recovery and improving the quality of life.

Caring for someone with a brain injury

Caring for someone with a brain injury can be challenging. It requires specialised knowledge, skills, and understanding of their patient’s unique needs and challenges.

Providing long-term care for these patients addresses their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs in a holistic and person-centred manner. It may include assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, mobility, and medication management. They may also need support for cognitive rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and emotional and behavioural management.

Providing social and emotional support, promoting social interactions, and facilitating community integration can be essential aspects of long-term care for brain injury patients.

How Mumby’s Live-in Care can support brain injury patients

Mumby’s Live-in Care is a specialised care service that can provide comprehensive and personalised support for brain injury patients in their own homes. Their team of highly trained and experienced caregivers can offer 24/7 live-in care, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each person.

One of the key benefits of Mumby’s Live-in Care is that brain injury patients receive care in the familiar and comfortable environment of their own homes. This can help minimise disruptions and provide a sense of stability and familiarity. It can be especially beneficial for individuals with brain injuries who may struggle with changes in their surroundings or routine.

Mumby’s Live-in Care focuses on providing person-centred care, recognising the unique preferences, interests, and abilities of each person. We work closely with clients and their families to develop personalised care plans that are tailored to their specific needs and goals.

This may include promoting social interactions, community integration, and participation in meaningful activities to enhance the overall well-being of the person.

In addition to the physical and cognitive aspects of care, Mumby’s Live-in Care also recognises the importance of emotional and psychological support. Brain injuries can often result in emotional and behavioural challenges, such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Caregivers at Mumby’s Live-in Care are trained in managing and supporting these emotional and behavioural symptoms. They provide compassionate and patient-centred care to promote the mental well-being of brain injury patients.

Mumby’s Respite Care for Caregivers

We understand that caring for a loved one with a brain injury can impact family members and caregivers. Our respite care service allows family caregivers to take breaks and recharge whilst their loved one is in capable hands. This can help reduce caregiver burnout. In addition, it ensures that both the patient and their family members receive the support they need.

Other neurological conditions Mumby’s cares for

Mumby’s Live-in Care also provides support for individuals with other neurological conditions. These include Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Parkinson’s Disease, and other complex neurological conditions.

Our caregivers are trained in managing the unique needs and challenges associated with these conditions.

Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team

Long-term care for brain injury patients is crucial for their recovery and rehabilitation journey. We can help you. Contact us for a free, friendly, and informal chat.