Acquired brain injury

An acquired brain injury can have a life changing impact on the person with the injury, their family and their wider social network.

At Bluebird Care we understand that managing the unexpected effects of sudden damage to the brain is emotionally and practically challenging for everyone concerned. Our care assistants provide high quality home care services to support carers and their loved ones as they adjust to these changes.

Each person’s experience will be different. So, we listen carefully to what you want and create a bespoke care and support plan to help you achieve your goals. Your care assistants 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 and to avoid damage to your skin
• Assistance with making sure prescribed medicines are taken at the right time
• Developing confidence towards greater independence and involvement in the local community
• Keeping you healthy by providing nutritious meals
• Child care support, especially helping children adjust to the changes in their relative
• Help around the home
• Respite care that carers can rely on for a well-earned rest
• Emergency planning such as what to do if the main carer becomes ill

Our care assistants 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 or jolt, 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 road 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.  

Support to stay well and reablement

Bluebird Care’s experienced care assistants can provide support for carers and loved ones.

Medical evidence has demonstrated how people with acquired brain injuries can regain or learn new skills, this is sometimes called reablement. Our tailored support aims to help people maximise their potential for improvement so that they can enjoy fulfilling lives.

Find out more about acquired brain injury and the support available from the brain injury association at Headway.

*Not all Bluebird Care offices provide this service. Please check with your local office if this service is available.