SERVICES

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can have a life changing impact on the person with the injury, their family and their wider social network.

At Solus, we understand that managing the unexpected effects of sudden damage to the brain is emotionally and practically challenging for everyone concerned. Our Enhanced Personal Support Workers provide high-quality services to support carers and their family members as they adjust to these changes.

Each person’s experience will be different. So, we listen carefully to what you want and create an individualized care and support plan to help you achieve your goals. Working alongside your treatment team your Support Worker can help with:

  • Support to relearn basic life skills such as walking, talking, and recognition

  • Personal care to keep you looking and feeling your best 

  • Assistance with making sure prescribed medicines are taken at the right time

  • Developing confidence towards greater independence and involvement in the local community

  • Help around the home

  • Respite care that carers can rely on for a well-earned rest

  • Can provide 24 HR support

Our support workers also provide much needed emotional support, such as a listening ear to share worries.

WHAT DOES ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY MEAN?

An acquired brain injury refers to a sudden injury to the brain that occurs after birth. This could be the result of a traumatic injury such as a severe blow, jolt or motor vehicle accident, or it could be the result of a tumour, stroke, infection or haemorrhage.

COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

An acquired brain injury can occur at any age and our care assistants have experience of helping a variety of age groups. It may be caused by a fall, an assault, a motor vehicle accident or sporting incident. The location and type of injury will determine the severity of damage, which skills and mental abilities are affected and for how long.

  • Following a mild acquired brain injury, a person may experience concussion, loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes, dizziness or loss of balance, memory and concentration problems, headaches, mood and sleep changes, and sensitivity to light or sound.

    A person with a moderate to severe acquired brain injury may have any of these symptoms as well as profound confusion, agitation, slurred speech, convulsions, pupil dilation and loss of coordination. They may also lose control of bodily functions, have worsening headaches, and episodes of nausea and vomiting.

    Acquired brain injury can also cause depression, anxiety and a range of inappropriate emotional responses. These symptoms can be especially difficult for families.

HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT

Individuals impacted by an ABI often have behavioural and psychosocial support needs that require a multi-disciplinary team approach during their rehabilitation process. Each person’s experience will be different. So, we listen carefully to what you want and create an individualized care and support plan to help you achieve your goals. Working alongside your treatment team your Support Worker can help with:

  • Support to relearn basic life skills such as walking, talking and recognition

    Personal care to keep you looking and feeling your best 

    Supporting a personalized routine that gives structure and predictability for daily living 

    Developing a healthy lifestyle, meal planning/preparation assisting with light housekeeping and personal care as needed 

    Encouraging, reminding and supporting as needed for activities of daily living 

    Ongoing support of behavioural strategies to assist in maximizing quality of life, including redirection of behaviour into positive behaviours’

    Ongoing support of cognitive strategies to enhance the quality of life 

    The supervision of social and community activities, outings and hobbies

    Developing confidence towards greater independence and involvement in the local community

    Respite care that carers can rely on for a well-earned rest

OUR EPSW

Our staff team can be tailored to meet your specific requirements ensuring a consistent response. Our EPSW’s are well trained, knowledgeable and genuinely care!

Our Support Workers are experienced and committed professionals who must posses the following:

  • Skills to implement behavioural programming

    Skills to implement life skills and social skills programming

    Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills

    Undergone an extensive interview and reference check process

    Have passed a criminal reference (Vulnerable Sector Screening) check

    Hold First Aid and CPR Certification

    Completed post secondary education in a related field

    Minimum 2 years of related experience

Head Office
605 James Street N, Suite 400B
Hamilton, ON L8L 1J9

Toronto Office
192 Spadina Ave, Suite 317
Toronto, ON M5T 2C2

OUR SERVICE AREA