Brain Injury Basics for Families No Brain Injury is Too Mild to Ignore, Or Too Severe to Lose Hope

Brain Injury Basics Brain Injury Basics for Familiesfor Families

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

Or Too Severe to Or Too Severe to Lose HopeLose Hope

Family Helpline: 1-800-669-4323Family Helpline: 1-800-669-4323

What is brain injury?What is brain injury?

Brain injury is often defined as either a Brain injury is often defined as either a

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

OR OR

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


Traumatic Brain InjuryTraumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain is an insult to the brain caused by an external force that may produce a caused by an external force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness. diminished or altered state of consciousness.

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


Acquired Brain InjuryAcquired Brain Injury

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain is an injury to the brain which is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative which is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative

and has occurred after birth.and has occurred after birth.

Causes of ABI include anoxia, aneurysms, infections Causes of ABI include anoxia, aneurysms, infections to the brain, stroke, brain tumors.to the brain, stroke, brain tumors.


““The Silent Epidemic”The Silent Epidemic”

It is estimated that It is estimated that

5.3 million5.3 million Americans Americans

live with a disability as a result of brain live with a disability as a result of brain injury.injury.


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 New Jerseyin New Jersey

Approximately Approximately 8,0008,000 adults and children adults and children each year are hospitalized or die as a each year are hospitalized or die as a result of a traumatic brain injury.result of a traumatic brain injury.

More than More than 20,00020,000 people are treated people are treated each year in doctor offices or emergency each year in doctor offices or emergency rooms for TBI.*rooms for TBI.*

** Conservatively extrapolated from national data Conservatively extrapolated from national data


Traumatic & Acquired Brain Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injury in New JerseyInjury in New Jersey

Although the cause of injury differs, many Although the cause of injury differs, many programs and services for people with brain programs and services for people with brain

injury serve both TBI & ABI.injury serve both TBI & ABI.

For example, the TBI Medicaid Waiver & TBI Fund For example, the TBI Medicaid Waiver & TBI Fund both serve individuals with TBI & ABI. both serve individuals with TBI & ABI.


Changes Over the YearsChanges Over the Years

30 years ago –30 years ago –

50% of persons with a 50% of persons with a brain injury died as brain injury died as

a result of the injury.a result of the injury.

Today –Today –

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


Functions of the BrainFunctions of the Brain

The best way toThe best way to

understand the affectunderstand the affect

of injury to the brainof injury to the brain

is to understand theis to understand the

function of each areafunction of each area

of the brain andof the brain and

related systemsrelated systems

andand

structures.structures.


Brain StemBrain Stem

The brain stem, The brain stem,

located at the base of the skull, located at the base of the skull,

is responsible for life-sustaining functions such as is responsible for life-sustaining functions such as regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, breathing regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, breathing

and body temperature. and body temperature.

Damage to the brain stem could result in an altered Damage to the brain stem could result in an altered state of consciousness, such as coma.state of consciousness, such as coma.


CerebellumCerebellum

The cerebellum, The cerebellum,

located behind the brain stem, located behind the brain stem,

is responsible for muscle coordination and is responsible for muscle coordination and balance. balance.


Occipital LobeOccipital Lobe

The occipital lobes, The occipital lobes,

located at the back of your brain, located at the back of your brain,

is the visual processing center in the brain. is the visual processing center in the brain.

Damage to these areas may result in neurological Damage to these areas may result in neurological visual impairment.visual impairment.


Temporal LobesTemporal Lobes

The temporal lobesThe temporal lobes

lie at the sides of the brain and are the lie at the sides of the brain and are the auditory (hearing) processing system of auditory (hearing) processing system of

the brain. the brain.


Parietal LobesParietal Lobes

The parietal lobes, The parietal lobes,

located above your occipital lobes, located above your occipital lobes,

controls the way your brain responds to controls the way your brain responds to information it receives, including visual, auditory information it receives, including visual, auditory

and physical information.and physical information.

For example, For example,

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


Frontal LobesFrontal Lobes

The frontal lobes,The frontal lobes,

located in the front of your brain,located in the front of your brain,

control the processes of control the processes of

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


Severity of InjurySeverity of Injury

Sometimes, a brain injury is categorized in Sometimes, a brain injury is categorized in one of the following three ways: one of the following three ways:

Mild Brain InjuryMild Brain Injury Moderate Brain InjuryModerate Brain Injury 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!

Loss of consciousness does not have to occur—Loss of consciousness does not have to occur—the person may be dazed or confusedthe person may be dazed or confused

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

A concussion is considered a mild brain injuryA concussion is considered a mild brain injury Testing or scans of the brain may appear normalTesting or scans of the brain may appear normal


Moderate Brain InjuryModerate Brain Injury

A loss of consciousness lasts from a few A loss of consciousness lasts from a few minutes to a few hoursminutes to a few hours

Confusion lasts from days to weeksConfusion lasts from days to weeks Physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral Physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral

impairments last for months or are permanent.impairments last for months or are permanent.


Severe Brain InjurySevere Brain Injury

Severe brain injury occurs when a prolonged Severe brain injury occurs when a prolonged unconscious state or coma lasts days, weeks, or unconscious state or coma lasts days, weeks, or months. months.

Persons who sustain a severe brain injury can Persons who sustain a severe brain injury can make significant improvements, but are often left make significant improvements, but are often left with permanent physical, cognitive, or behavioral with permanent physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairments.impairments.


Severity of InjurySeverity of Injury

Severity of injury does not guarantee outcome. Severity of injury does not guarantee outcome. Persons who sustain a mild brain injury may have Persons who sustain a mild brain injury may have

ongoing difficulties for years to come and ongoing difficulties for years to come and persons with a severe brain injury may make persons with a severe brain injury may make

marked improvements over time. marked improvements over time.

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


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. The change responsibilities of family members. The change can be so drastic it can be similar to bringing a can be so drastic it can be similar to bringing a

stranger home from the hospital with you.stranger home from the hospital with you.


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 live with the consequences of having a Siblings live with the consequences of having a sibling with a disability.sibling with a disability.

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

and caregiving.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.

They may end up caring for their parent early in They may end up caring for their parent early in their lives, and receive less attention from the their lives, and receive less attention from the

parent providing caregiving.parent providing caregiving.


Grief & Loss Grief & Loss for the Individualfor the Individual

Potential loss of identity, self-esteem, self-control, Potential 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

Potential change in relationships, dreams for Potential change in relationships, dreams for loved one, responsibilities as caregiver, loved one, responsibilities as caregiver, personal freedom, lifestyle, income and personal freedom, lifestyle, income and

assets.assets.


Stages of GriefStages of Grief

There are several stages of grief that are There are several stages of grief that are common following a brain injury that both common following a brain injury that both

people with brain injury and family people with brain injury and family members go through.members go through.


Stages of GriefStages of Grief

DenialDenial AngerAnger BargainingBargaining DepressionDepression AcceptanceAcceptance


DenialDenial

After a terrible experience, a person may act After a terrible experience, a person may act as if it did not happen.as if it did not 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 the person accepts that the event Once the person accepts that the event occurred, anger and frustration are the next occurred, anger and frustration are the next

emotions. emotions.

The anger can be directed at doctors, family, The anger can be directed at doctors, family, friends, God, and even at self.friends, God, and even at self.

““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 is able to I’ll be a perfect person if my son is able to be normal again.”be 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 both people with brain injury recovery for both people with brain injury

and family members.and 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, individuals and families can As time passes, individuals 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 new and worthwhile.life can be new and worthwhile.


Living With Brain InjuryLiving With Brain Injury

Brain injury will affect each individual differently, Brain injury will affect each individual differently, but there are many common consequences.but there are many common consequences.

The following consequences and strategies are The following consequences and strategies are offered to help both you and your loved one offered to help both you and your loved one

cope with brain injury. cope with 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

AnxietyAnxiety DepressionDepression 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 family One of the most important things family members can do is establish structure, members can do is establish structure,

consistency, and repetition in their family consistency, and repetition in their family members routine.members routine.


Structure, Consistency & Structure, Consistency & RepetitionRepetition

Establish a schedule.Establish a schedule. Keep your family member’s environment Keep your family member’s environment

organized.organized. Utilize calendars, notebooks, wall charts, and Utilize calendars, notebooks, wall charts, and

visual aids as reminders, but be careful not to visual aids as reminders, but be careful not to overstimulate with too much information.overstimulate with too much information.


Structure, Consistency & Structure, Consistency & RepetitionRepetition

Remain consistent in what you do and what your Remain consistent in what you do and what your expectations are (for example, always remaining expectations are (for example, always remaining a model of calm behavior during outbursts)a model of calm behavior during outbursts)

Repetition will provide a feeling of safety, and be Repetition will provide a feeling of safety, and be the key to new learning for your family member.the key to new learning for your family member.


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 will be setting your family member and once will be setting your family member and

yourself up for failure.yourself up for failure.


Minimizing DistractionsMinimizing Distractions

Providing as much of a distraction free Providing as much of a distraction free environment as possible will minimize environment as possible will minimize

overstimulation and cognitive overload.overstimulation and cognitive overload.


Anticipating Stressful EventsAnticipating Stressful Events

Anticipate situations that may be stressful for your Anticipate situations that may be stressful for your family members, and try to avoid or minimize the family members, and try to avoid or minimize the

stress.stress.

For example, large family gatherings could be For example, large family gatherings could be overwhelming and trips to the store when they overwhelming and trips to the store when they

are crowded and noisy could be cognitively are crowded and noisy could be cognitively overwhelming.overwhelming.


Watch for DepressionWatch for DepressionSigns of depression to watch for include:Signs of depression to watch for 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 ChallengesBehavioral Challenges

An estimated 90% of all people who are severely An estimated 90% of all people who are severely disabled by a brain injury may experience some disabled by a brain injury may experience some

related emotional, behavioral or psychiatric related emotional, behavioral or psychiatric problems.problems.

40% of these individuals still have behavioral 40% of these individuals 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



Individuals with milder brain injuries can alsoIndividuals with milder brain injuries can also

experience behavioral challenges, includingexperience behavioral challenges, including

mood changes, irritability and fatigue, whichmood changes, irritability and fatigue, which

might be more difficult to identify as beingmight be more difficult to identify as being

related to the brain injury.related to the brain injury.



Behavioral challenges can range from mildBehavioral challenges can range from mild

personality changes to persistent difficultypersonality changes to persistent difficulty

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

managing one’s behavior, and even violentmanaging one’s behavior, and even violent

outbursts.outbursts.



Behavioral problems can cause:Behavioral problems can cause:

Marital discordMarital discord Problems with social relationshipsProblems with social relationships Family difficultiesFamily difficulties School or workplace problemsSchool or workplace problems

And should And should nevernever be ignored be ignored



There are professionals who can assist withThere are professionals who can assist withbehavioral problems, including:behavioral problems, including:

NeuropsychologistsNeuropsychologists: expertise in assessing : expertise in assessing the relationships between the brain, behavior the relationships between the brain, behavior and cognitionand cognition

NeuropsychiatristsNeuropsychiatrists: can prescribe medications : can prescribe medications that affect mood, thinking and behaviorthat affect mood, thinking and behavior


Behavioral Challenges: Behavioral Challenges: Tips for FamiliesTips for Families

Identify stress relievers (taking deep breaths, Identify stress relievers (taking deep breaths, removing the person from the aggravating removing the person from the aggravating environment)environment)

Learn to recognize when behaviors will occur Learn to recognize when behaviors will occur (when someone is tired, ill, overwhelmed)(when someone is tired, ill, overwhelmed)



Identify specific triggers or events (changes in Identify specific triggers or events (changes in routine, dealing with difficult tasks or people)routine, dealing with difficult tasks or people)

Identify triggers that your family member is Identify triggers that your family member is becoming upset (facial expressions, body becoming upset (facial expressions, body language)language)



Identify a plan for when behaviors happen – Identify a plan for when behaviors happen – having a plan will help to ease your stress, as having a plan will help to ease your stress, as well as your family member’s stresswell as your family member’s stress

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 yourselfyou don’t have to do it all yourself


Behavioral Challenges: Behavioral Challenges: Things to RememberThings to Remember

Remain involved in activities to avoid social Remain involved in activities to avoid social isolationisolation

Allow for independenceAllow for independence Coach, encourage and reinforce positive Coach, encourage and reinforce positive

behaviorbehavior Understand the person may be doing their best Understand the person may be doing their best

to control the behaviorto control the behavior


Support SystemsSupport Systems

Develop a support system for your family member, Develop a support system for your family member, and avoid social isolation. and avoid 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, your local recreational groups in the community, your local Independent Living Center. Independent Living Center.


Getting InvolvedGetting 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 not only provide a structured routine, but not only provide a structured routine, but will also increase your family member’s will also increase your family member’s self-esteem and avoid social isolation.self-esteem and avoid social isolation.


IndependenceIndependence

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

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

Be cautious that caregiving allows for the Be cautious that caregiving allows for the opportunity to be independent and make opportunity to be independent and make

mistakes. mistakes.


Things to RememberThings to Remember

Every individual is different, and everyEvery individual is different, and every

injury is unique.injury is unique. Get to know your family member’s abilities, not Get to know your family member’s abilities, not

just their limitations.just their limitations. Listen to your family member.Listen to your family member. Treat them in an age appropriate manner.Treat them in an age appropriate manner.


Things to RememberThings to Remember

Everyone needs to have control over Everyone needs to have control over their own life.their 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 to sleep Take care of yourself, you will need to sleep and eat to maintain your strength and well-and eat to maintain your strength and well-

being.being.


Tips for CaregiversTips for Caregivers

Delegate responsibilities like household Delegate responsibilities like household chores, staying with your loved one, chores, staying with your loved one,

running errands.running errands.

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 SupportEmotional Support

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

have fun with.have fun with.

You do not always have to be strong and you can You do not always have to be strong and you can accept help. Utilize friends, family, advocates to accept help. Utilize friends, family, advocates to

support you and your loved one.support you and your loved one.


Become an AdvocateBecome an Advocate

Learn about brain injury, question the rehabilitation Learn about brain injury, question the rehabilitation team, be involved, obtain articles, books, and team, be involved, obtain articles, books, and

videos to help you learn. videos to help you learn.

You will often have to educate those around you You will often have to educate those around you about brain injury. Being an advocate and about brain injury. Being an advocate and

asking for help will ease this burden.asking for help will ease this burden.


Brain Injury Association Brain Injury Association of New Jerseyof New Jersey

Founded in 1981 by family members and Founded in 1981 by family members and friends of persons with brain injury, the Brain friends of persons with brain injury, the Brain

Injury Association of New Jersey is a Injury Association of New Jersey is a statewide membership organization statewide membership organization

dedicated to providing education, outreach, dedicated to providing education, outreach, prevention, advocacy and support services to prevention, advocacy and support services to all persons affected by brain injury and to the all persons affected by brain injury and to the

general public.general public.


BIANJ Programs & ResourcesBIANJ Programs & Resources

Information & Resources HelplineInformation & Resources Helpline

1-800-669-43231-800-669-4323

732-738-1002732-738-1002

[email protected]@bianj.org



Brain Injury Resource CenterBrain Injury Resource Center Free PublicationsFree Publications

Articles on brain injury and disability Articles on brain injury and disability related topicsrelated topics

Browse & Borrow Book & Video LibraryBrowse & Borrow Book & Video Library



Support GroupsSupport Groups

16 affiliated groups throughout the state for 16 affiliated groups throughout the state for people with brain injury and their familiespeople with brain injury and their families



MentoringMentoring

Matching trained mentors with people with Matching trained mentors with people with brain injury and family members in need of brain injury and family members in need of

supportsupport



Family SupportFamily SupportFor eligible individuals, injured before the For eligible individuals, injured before the age of 22 and registered with the Division age of 22 and registered with the Division

of Developmental Disabilities, care of Developmental Disabilities, care coordination services to assist them and coordination services to assist them and their families in finding and obtaining the their families in finding and obtaining the

supports and services they need.supports and services they need.



TREKTREK TTogether in ogether in RRecreation, ecreation, EExploration & xploration &

KKnowledgenowledgeA week of summer respite for individuals 16 A week of summer respite for individuals 16

and older at Camp Ockanickon in and older at Camp Ockanickon in Burlington County.Burlington County.



Annual SeminarAnnual SeminarA two-day seminar providing people with brain A two-day seminar providing people with brain

injury, their families, and the professionals injury, their families, and the professionals working with them education about new brain working with them education about new brain injury issues and topics, and an opportunity to injury issues and topics, and an opportunity to

meet with one another.meet with one another.



Regional TrainingsRegional TrainingsEvery spring, the Association holds full-day Every spring, the Association holds full-day regional trainings on brain injury for health & regional trainings on brain injury for health &

human service workers in the northern, central & human service workers in the northern, central & southern regions of the state. southern regions of the state.

Families are encouraged to let the health & human Families are encouraged to let the health & human service workers that assist them know about this service workers that assist them know about this

unique opportunity to learn about brain injury.unique opportunity to learn about brain injury.



MembershipMembership

In becoming a member of the Association, In becoming a member of the Association, families will be kept apprised of important families will be kept apprised of important events and issues related to brain injury events and issues related to brain injury through our quarterly newsletter, Annual through our quarterly newsletter, Annual

Meeting, and BIANJ event mailings.Meeting, and BIANJ event mailings.



Staying in TouchStaying in Touch E-News:E-News: The Association’s monthly The Association’s monthly

electronic newsletter.electronic newsletter. Leg-Net:Leg-Net: The Association’s e-mail network The Association’s e-mail network

to learn about important legislative issues.to learn about important legislative issues. Website:Website: Updated regularly with important Updated regularly with important

news & events.news & events.



The Association also works to raise The Association also works to raise awareness of brain injury and its awareness of brain injury and its

preventability through a number of preventability through a number of additional programs and initiatives.additional programs and initiatives.


Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

The following are just a few of the resources The following are just a few of the resources available. available.

For further information & resources, contact For further information & resources, contact an Information & Resources Specialist at an Information & Resources Specialist at

the Association’s Helpline at the Association’s Helpline at

1-800-669-4323.1-800-669-4323.



Traumatic Brain Injury Specialized Care UnitsTraumatic Brain Injury Specialized Care Units

New Jersey Medicaid has authorized some long New Jersey Medicaid has authorized some long term care facilities to provide specialized care to term care facilities to provide specialized care to certain nursing home residents with exceptional certain nursing home residents with exceptional

needs, including brain injury. needs, including brain injury.

Pre Admission Screening by Medicaid is required Pre Admission Screening by Medicaid is required for these programs. for these programs.

Medicaid: 1-800-356-1561Medicaid: 1-800-356-1561



Division of Disability Services (DDS)Division of Disability Services (DDS)This state office provides information and referralThis state office provides information and referral

services to people with disabilities and theirservices to people with disabilities and theirfamilies, who are seeking help locating appropriatefamilies, who are seeking help locating appropriate

resources in their communities. resources in their communities.

The Division also is responsible for overseeing variousThe Division also is responsible for overseeing variousMedicaid home-and community-based waiver programsMedicaid home-and community-based waiver programsthat are designed to help people with disabilities live asthat are designed to help people with disabilities live as

independently as possible.independently as possible.

1-888-285-30361-888-285-3036



Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) FundTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) FundAs a payer of last resort, providingAs a payer of last resort, providing

individuals with the supports and servicesindividuals with the supports and servicesthey need.they need.

Administered through the Division of Disability Administered through the Division of Disability Services.Services.

1-888-285-30361-888-285-3036



Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid WaiverMedicaid Waiver

Developed as an alternative to nursing homes forDeveloped as an alternative to nursing homes forpeople with brain injury ages 22-65, with an injurypeople with brain injury ages 22-65, with an injury

occurring after an individual’s 21occurring after an individual’s 21stst birthday. birthday.

Administered through the Division of Disability Administered through the Division of Disability Services.Services.

1-888-285-30361-888-285-3036



Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

For individuals whose disability manifested before For individuals whose disability manifested before age 22 and resulted in lifelong conditions that age 22 and resulted in lifelong conditions that affect a person’s ability to live independently, affect a person’s ability to live independently, this state agency arranges and coordinates this state agency arranges and coordinates

services to eligible state residents.services to eligible state residents.

(609)-292-3742(609)-292-3742



Additional Additional Medicaid WaiversMedicaid Waivers exist to assist exist to assist people with disabilities, including: people with disabilities, including:

Community Resources for People with Disabilities Community Resources for People with Disabilities (CRPD) Waiver(CRPD) Waiver

Community Care Waiver (CCW)Community Care Waiver (CCW) Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly & Disabled to Provide Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly & Disabled to Provide

Enhanced Community Options (ECO) WaiverEnhanced Community Options (ECO) Waiver Community Care Program for the Elderly & Disabled Community Care Program for the Elderly & Disabled

(CCPED) Waiver(CCPED) Waiver



Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)Services (DVRS)

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

with disabilities through 18 district offices.with disabilities through 18 district offices.

(609)-292-2000(609)-292-2000



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

who have a severe physical or mental impairment.who have a severe physical or mental impairment.

ANDAND

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Supplemental Security Income (SSI)A Federal program established for the aged and peopleA Federal program established for the aged and people

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



Board of Social ServicesBoard of Social ServicesCounty offices that provide servicesCounty offices that provide services

including food stamps, general assistance,including food stamps, general assistance,

emergency assistance, Medicaid, andemergency assistance, Medicaid, and

support services to people with disabilities.support services to people with disabilities.



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

for people with disabilities.for people with disabilities.



County Offices for the DisabledCounty Offices for the DisabledA clearinghouse for information aboutA clearinghouse for information about

programs and services for people withprograms and services for people with

disabilities at a local level.disabilities at a local level.



2-1-12-1-1 An easy-to-remember telephone number that connects An easy-to-remember telephone number that connects

callers to the health and human services, community callers to the health and human services, community resources and government assistance they need.resources and government assistance they need.

Available 24/7.Available 24/7. Easily accessed by any landline or cell phone.Easily accessed by any landline or cell phone. Calls are free and confidential.Calls are free and confidential. Multi-lingual/TTY/TTD.Multi-lingual/TTY/TTD. Certified Call Specialists make appropriate referrals and Certified Call Specialists make appropriate referrals and

monitor outcomes to ensure services are provided.monitor outcomes to ensure services are provided.

Brain Injury Brain Injury Association Association

of New Jersey, Inc.of New Jersey, Inc.1-800-669-43231-800-669-4323(732)-738-1002(732)[email protected]@bianj.org

Documents

Brain Injury Basics for Families No Brain Injury is Too Mild to Ignore, Or Too Severe to Lose Hope