General Information for Families Affected by ABI and Referrers
What is ABI?
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a condition affecting people who have sustained an injury to the brain. This injury may be the result of a traffic, sport or work accident, a medical condition such as a brain tumour, brain bleed or stroke, excessive long term abuse of alcohol / drugs, or any other condition which has interrupted the flow of oxygen or blood to the brain.
ABI affects all family members including the injured person, partners, parents, children, siblings, extended family members and community networds. Distress, concern and changes in relationships are common in families adjusting to the long-term effects of ABI.
The majority of people with ABI return to the care of their families. Family members face unique challenges and can often benefit from professional support that recognises the importance of relationships and the different roles and complex challenges for each person within the family.
Support for Families
Families are invited to meet with a qualified family therapist experienced in ABI for support and consultation. The Team can provide information to famlies about acquired brain injury (ABI), how it might affect the family and how family members can best respond to ABI.
The ABI Team can also provide information and referral advice to families about other services that may be of assistance.
The ABI Family to Family Link Up program provided by The Bouverie Centre in partnership with Melbourne City Mission, BrainLink, ABI Services – Ballarat Health Services, ABI – Slow to Recover Program, and St Laurence Community Services – Geelong, also provides families with an opportunity to meet with other families in order to share their experiences and wisdoms, and to offer and receive support, understanding and information about brain injury issues and life with ABI.
Who Can Attend?
Any family or family members who are dealing with the effects of ABI can attend. Services are free of charge for families not covered by a third party (for example, TAC or other insurance companies). Families who are eligible for compensation through a third party can also access the service but a fee will be charged to the insurance company.
When making a referral, please advise the Intake Worker if you think your family is eligible for compensation through a third party such as the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) or Workers Compensation.
Please click here for more information about The Bouverie Centre ABI team.
