What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
An acquired brain injury is any brain injury that occurs, usually with a rapid onset, during a person’s life and after birth. This condition is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative.
It commonly results in life-long challenges, including changes to behaviour, emotions, and physical function.
According to a recent report by ABI Ireland, an estimated 19,000 people in Ireland acquire a brain injury each year.
The injuries may be traumatic—caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the brain, for example, as a result of a fall or road traffic accident. However, they may also be non-traumatic, brought about because something happens within the body such as a stroke, haemorrhage, or viral infection.
There are over 7,500 new strokes recorded in Ireland each year.
Remember, every brain is different, and every brain injury is unique to the person affected.
It's also important to be mindful that the effects of brain injury are often quite hidden and not always obvious to others.Â
Traumatic vs. non-traumatic brain injuriesÂ
Traumatic brain injuries result from external forces, such as a head injury. Non-traumatic injuries include internal factors like brain haemorrhage or brain tumours.
Common Acquired Brain Injury symptoms
The duration of symptoms associated with an ABI can vary. Some milder cases can recover fully in 3 months, and for more serious cases, the recovery can take several years, and some people will experience symptoms associated with an ABI for the rest of their lives.
Symptoms vary widely, including:
Personalised support for clients with Acquired Brain Injury
At Comfort Keepers, we recognise the challenges that someone with an ABI may face and how important a routine is on the road to recovery. We can provide personal care support—including washing, dressing, and grooming.Â
We also provide practical care, including shopping and household chores. Support carers can also assist clients with organising their daily routines, partaking in hobbies, going to events, and maintaining an active social life.
Cognitive and physical rehabilitation for ABI
Comfort Keepers’ Personal Support Plan is designed to meet each client’s unique needs for acquired brain injury care. Our carers can assist with cognitive rehabilitation tasks, including memory work, speech therapy, and physical therapy exercises.Â
We also support clients with mobility aids and adaptive equipment to encourage independence while managing complications related to their brain injury.
Collaborative rehabilitation plans
Comfort Keepers have experienced clinical nurse managers who care for people with ABI.
We also actively work with the HSE's healthcare professionals to support our clients’ individual rehabilitation plans.
We’re here to help
For tailored acquired brain injury care that promotes independence and recovery, Comfort Keepers is here to help.
To learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us.
You can also visit Acquired Brain Injury Ireland for additional resources.
