Andrea BueningIL Special Projects CoordinatorThe Independent Living Center

March 9, 2012

Traumatic Brain InjuryAfter Rehabilitation

What next?

I am just like every one of your patients

I continue to experience limitations caused by my brain injury

I choose to make something good from something very bad

This is who I am

VideoPersonal Stories [with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)](1).mp4

Life Experience May 16, 1997, began

my journey I have nearly 15 years

of life with TBI Rehab for 11.5 months Successful Outcome Advocacy – local and

legislative

Drawing From the Past

Survivors need role models who they listen to and take

seriously Like children

Impressionable

Vulnerable Impulsive Fragile

Provide Education Former teacher Current disability advocate

IL Skills Training Support group facilitator

Been there/done that Brain Injury Association of

Missouri Board member, 2nd term Be available for INR

Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council member Systems Change

Carrying the torch ICANB Exposure to many

venues Abilities Availability Flexibility with

employer Graduate Certificate –

George Washington Univ. Proving ground EXAMPLE TO

OTHERS Survivors Non Survivors

Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way!

Struggles that TBI survivors face

Financial Emotional – Mental Health Issues

What is primary? Brain Injury is

Lack of support Lack of control Being a burden Spousal exhaustion

“BI isn’t for sissys”

Family members have their own unique struggles

notice the similaries Supporting the survivor

Financially Emotionally

Dealing with the survivor Lack of support for themselves

Acceptance Counseling for both High percentage of relationship failure

Lack of control over the survivor and situation Role change in the family

Dealing with the burden of caregiving Spousal exhaustion Focus Change

Children? Friends and family?

Survivors Locate a Center for Independent Living

Four Core Services INR – Information and Referral IL Skills Training – EDUCATION Peer Support – Support Groups/Social

Activities, etc. Advocacy – Individually, legislatively

Loss of control Find a therapist

Behavior Modification Specialist

Goal Setting If you/they set expectations high, the

achievements will be higher – within reason

Ameliorating the Struggles

Helping Families Find respite

Adult Day Care National organizations

http://www.aoa.gov/ Find a volunteer position

Numerous opportunities BIAMO

Locate Support Groups

Survivors: How capable are they?

Driving? Vocational RehabilitationOnly one Certified Evaluator in the State

Neuropsychology What is their predicted outcome?Functional Outcome

Be sure prediction is not the expectation Teacher’s rule If you set your expectations low, the achievement will be low

The Unknown

Therapy vs. education Continued therapy becomes

“education” If no long-term cognitive rehabilitation is

available Family support and training Hobbies Planners, i.e. Smartphones and pocket

PDA’s DVBIC.org Lash and Associates Publishing The internet Computer training

Accommodations through Mo Assistive Technology

Utilize specific software

Therapy vs. Education Therapy IS education

IF No long term therapy IS available Brain Injuries are NOT progressive Survivors CAN learn

Through various methods identified through Neuropsychological evaluation

Find what motivates them

TBI survivors have many struggles they face

decision-making self-reliance self-confidence Malingering Illnesses not taken seriously

MotivationWhat makes a person desire to get

better?

SOMETHING they can do that is positive

Benefits SSDI

Benefit Specialists assist those who wish to work SSI

Limited income potential Available to survivors injured before age 22

Retirement If previously employed long-term?

MO. HEALTHNET PRIVATE INSURANCE PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

VR Testing Driving

The Independent Living Center, Joplin

George Washington University Coursework for the Graduate

Certificate in Educational and Transition Services

Experience

PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU

Resources