Acquired Brain Injury
This service is provided from the Physical Disabilities Team to men and women in Angus aged 16 – 64 years across Angus who are affected by acquired brain injury. This may be the result of physical trauma such as a road accident or from other sudden conditions such as a haemorrhage, infection or a lack of oxygen to the brain.
The type of support provided is based on individual need and priority is given to people who have sustained their injuries within the last two years. Service provision might include assessment, information and advice, counselling and support, written information, rehabilitation activities, care management, training and support for carers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What help is available on discharge from hospital?
If the person is a patient in the Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation (CBIR) at Royal Victoria Hospital, an acquired brain injury worker will provide an Assessment and Care Management service to facilitate his/her discharge home and continue his/her rehabilitation programme. The acquired brain injury worker will become involved in supporting the individual and their family as soon as they are transferred to CBIR.
If the brain-injured person is in another hospital, a referral can be made on their behalf to Social Work for an assessment of need. The acquired brain injury worker may be involved in this assessment.
Will I get back to work?
The acquired brain injury staff are able to provide information and advice to people hoping to return to work. Following an assessment of need support may also be offered to assist in developing your rehabilitation programme to assist in preparing you for a return to work.
Is there any help available for people with cognitive problems?
Assistance can sometimes be offered to improve cognitive functioning if the brain injury is fairly recent. In other cases help can be given to implement strategies to minimise the effects of cognitive impairment. The acquired brain injury worker can undertake a specialist assessment and advise on appropriate rehabilitation options.
What about financial assistance?
The acquired brain injury staff are able to provide advice and information about a range of issues including compensation and eligibility for benefits. Further benefits advice is also available from Angus Council's Welfare Rights Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Can I drive following my brain injury?
If you have sustained a moderate to severe brain injury it is likely that there will be a restriction on your driving. You have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA of any medical condition that might affect your driving if the effects are likely to persist beyond three months.
The acquired brain injury staff are able to provide advice and information about driving following a brain injury.
Where can I meet other people who have experienced an Acquired Brain Injury?
The Acquired Brain Injury worker can give you information about local groups and clubs who are able to offer support to brain injured people and their families.
Who do I contact for further information?
Team Leader, Physical Disabilities Team or any of the Acquired Brain Injury staff based at:
Lunan Park Resource Centre
Guthrie Street
Friockheim
By Arbroath
Angus DD11 4SZ
Tel: 01241 826900
Out of Hours Telephone: (01382) 436430
Fax: 01241 826909
Service Page: braininjury.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 6 May 2010