Q.1: Are there specific programs that BIRC offers?
A.1: The following is a list of programs / activities offered by BIRC:
1) Comprehensive Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CCR)
- designed for adults
- individual and group cognitive, functional skills and psychosocial sessions
- community based work experience
- 5 days per week
2) Cognitive/Social Development Program
- similar to the CCR program but slower paced
- emphasis on functional skill development and activities of daily living
3) Post Concussion Syndrome Program
- individual program for people with mild brain trauma
- focus on pain management and educational/vocational goals
- short-term: 32 weeks maximum
4)Family Psyco-Educational Group
- designed for adult family members of survivors of acquired brain injury
- group program
5) Youth Education and Support Group
- designed for children of survivors of acquired brain injury
- group program
- availability varies based on participant demographics
6) Drop-In Centre
- designed for individuals with acquired brain injury
- group program for purpose of socialization
- Friday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:30 pm
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Q.2: What kinds of people come to BIRC and what can they expect?
A.2: BIRC has been in operation since 1989. Between then and the year 2000 we have helped over 300 people who have had a brain injury. The following information about the BIRC program and its participants is from the years 1997-1999 inclusive.
* 67 people successfully completed the program since 1997.
* 21 female participants successfully completed the program since 1997.
* 46 male participants successfully completed the program since 1997.
* Although there was a wide range, the average age of participants at the time of injury or illness was 32.
* About half of the participants were admitted to BIRC within 1 year and 6 months after their injury or illness, the remainder were admitted later.
* After applying to BIRC, about half of the participants waited up to 5 months before they were admitted, the remainder waited longer.
* About 57% of the participants who were admitted to BIRC since 1997 were injured as a result of trauma such as motor vehicle accident, assault or fall. The remaining 43% were injured in non-traumatic ways such as heart attack, stroke, tumor, or aneurysm.
* The severity of the average brain injury was in the moderate range.
* 90% of participants were unemployed at the time of admission.
* About half of the participants were successfully discharged after one year of treatment. The maximum number of treatment hours a day is 5.
* In terms of status at discharge, 31% were employed, 8% were in education, 17% were doing volunteer work, and 44% were unemployed.
* Most people who were discharged from BIRC were able to live independently.
* On average participants completed or partly completed 81% of their long term goals.
* On average participants completed 71% of their short term objectives.
* At discharge participants reported a significant increase in their quality of life.
* At discharge all participants were very satisfied with their rehabilitation at BIRC.
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Q.3: What is an “Acquired Brain Injury”?
A.3: An acquired brain injury is defined as a major interruption of brain function occurring after birth. This can be caused by external physical force or trauma sustained in a motor vehicle accident, fall, assault, or may be due to other medical or environmental causes (e.g. stroke, aneurysm, tumour, encephalitis, etc.). Such injuries can result in observable physical disabilities. However, the profound effect on cognitive and social functioning may not be so readily apparent. Effects are often prolonged and affect the individual, the family, and the community. Consequences may include:
Physical:
Impairments of speech, vision and hearing loss, headaches, muscle spasticity, paralysis and seizure disorders.
Cognitive:
Memory deficits (both short-term and long-term), limited concentration, impaired perception and communication, difficulties with reading, writing, planning, sequencing and judgement.
Psycho-Social-Behavioural-Emotional Impairments:
Fatigue, mood swings, denial, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, lack of motivation, problems with interpersonal skills.
These problems, individually and combined, can affect an individual’s ability to return to his or her former occupation and his or her role in the family and community.
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Q.4: I believe a family member has a brain injury. What do I do?
A.4: If you notice a family member or a friend has long-term symptoms of brain injury, talk to them and their doctor about getting help.
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Q.5: How long does it usually take to get back to "normal" after a brain injury?
A.5: Each brain injury is unique. With time, most people recover from their injuries. However, recovery depends on the severity of the injury, the part of the brain injured and other factors, such as age and physical fitness.
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