Pro tips about Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Support

Pro tips from our Clinical Manager on mastering Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) support.

August 2024

 

What Is an Acquired Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any injury to the brain that occurs after birth.

 

There are 2 categories of ABI:

Traumatic Brain Injury: caused by concussions, car accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, physical assaults, and other sources of head trauma.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury: caused by alcohol and drug abuse, medical conditions such as strokes, brain tumours, infections, hypoxic brain injury (lack of oxygen supply to the brain), and other diseases.

 

Effects of an Acquired Brain Injury

The ongoing effects of a brain injury can vary, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

• Cognitive Impairments: Memory problems, difficulty with attention and concentration, and impaired problem-solving abilities.
• Physical Impairments: Weakness, paralysis, the injured person may lose consciousness at times, or may have coordination difficulties (poor balance). Altered sensory abilities, such as impaired vision, touch, and smell.
• Communication Difficulties: Challenges in speaking, understanding language, or expressing thoughts.
• Emotional and Behavioural Changes: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.

 

The severity of the injury can vary, with severe ABI leading to more profound and long-term impacts on physical, cognitive, and behavioural functions.

 

Tips to best support our ABI clients

Supporting our clients with an ABI can be mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging. It is crucial to be patient, empathetic, and understanding with our clients to support them to live their best life.

 

Below are some tips to help you provide the best support possible:

1. Listen Actively and Empathetically:

Encourage clients to express their feelings and thoughts. Be a compassionate and non-judgmental listener.

Avoid interrupting clients sometimes need a safe space to talk and be heard.

2. Validate Their Feelings:

Acknowledge the client’s emotions and let them know that their feelings are valid.

3. Be Patient:

Recovery from an ABI can be a slow and unpredictable process for the client. Practice patience and understand that progress may be gradual.

Celebrate small achievements and milestones to boost their self-esteem.

4. Respect Their Independence:

Promote independence. Allow the client to make choices and decisions about their daily life.

Offer support when needed but avoid being overly controlling or intrusive. Respect their autonomy and choices, even if they differ from your own preferences.

5. Provide Routine and Structure:

Establish a daily routine or schedule that can provide a sense of stability and predictability. This can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control.

6. Offer Reassurance and Encouragement:

Offer words of reassurance and encouragement regularly.

7. Facilitate Social Connections:

Encourage the client to maintain social connections with friends and family. Social support is crucial for emotional well-being.

8. Help Them Set Realistic Goals:

Work with the client to set achievable short-term and long-term goals. Celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

9. Seek Professional Support When Needed:

Encourage the client to access professional psychological support, such as counselling or therapy, to address specific emotional challenges.

If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, consult a health professional.

10. Promote Self-Care:

Remind the client of the importance of self-care for their emotional well-being. Encourage them to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Offer assistance with self-care activities when necessary.

 

– Emma Hill, Clinical Manager