Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program located in the Dr. Fouad Tayfour Regional Rehabilitation Centre (Tayfour Building), Casgrain is a community-based service for individuals who have sustained a brain injury. The program is made up of professionals who specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing difficulties as a result of an acquired brain injury. Your ABI healthcare team may include those specializing in physiatry, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, and social work.
The ABI program is for any individual who has sustained a mild to moderate brain injury, is 16 years of age or older, resides in Windsor-Essex County, and has experienced problems with cognition, behaviours, emotions, and daily living.
Please Note: Patients whose injury is a result of a work-related event or motor vehicle collision (MVC) should seek services via their eligible insurance
Concerned family members and caregivers, Service Providers, and other individuals with a desire for information on acquired brain injury are also welcome to participate in the ABI Program.
What is an acquired brain injury?
An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain structure resulting from:
- Trauma such as:
- Assaults, falls, sports injury.
- Illness such as:
- Brain tumour, encephalitis, meningitis, metabolic encephalopathies, ruptured aneurysm.
Goals
The goals of the ABI program are to maximize your level of functioning and to promote the best possible care for individuals who have sustained a brain injury through a number of services including assessments and consultations, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, social work, concussion clinic, support groups, education on resources, and more.
Referral
Referrals to the ABI Program must be made by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Cost
ABI services at HDGH are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Services are provided without direct costs upon presentation of a valid OHIP card.
Contact
Acquired Brain Injury
Casgrain Wing, 3rd floor
1453 Prince Road
Windsor, ON N9C 3Z4
Phone
519.257.5111 ext. 75458
Fax
519.257.5299
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Central Registration
Upon arrival to HDGH please present to the Central Registration Department, prior to proceeding to your appointment. Central Registration is located within the main entrance, across from the Courtyard Café.
Please arrive 15 min before your appointment in order to allow enough time to register.
ABI Problem Solving Group
ABI Problem Solving Group
Brain Injury Problem Solving Group
The Acquired Brain Injury Program at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is please to offer a problem-solving group for survivors who have sustained a brain injury.
What is this group about?
This group provides an opportunity for people living with the effets of an acquired brain injury to discuss how their injury has changed their lives. Change can sometimes seem difficult and problematic. At times, people may feel uncertain as to how to deal with these issues. They may also find they are experiencing unpleasant feelings. Through this group, participants will explore strategies to assist them in successfully managing their problems. Adult survivors are welcome.
Groups are run on an ongoing basis. Individual interviews will be held to provide further details. The group meets at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare at 1453 Prince Road every other week and sessions run 1 - 1.5 hours.
What topics will the group explore?
- Physical Changes: e.g. fatigue, headaches, dizziness and pain
- Mental Difficulties: e.g. forgetfulness, problems with concentration and planning, and speech and language difficulties
- Emotional Issues: e.g. irritability, depression and anxiety
- Behavioural Problems: e.g. poor impulse control and low frustration tolerance
- Recovery Adjustments: e.g. concerns about managing finances, returning to school, and returning to driving
- Changes in relationships with partner, friends, coworkers, children
How can I get more information or make a referral?
To make referrals please phone or fax:
Phone: (519) 257-5458
Fax: (519) 257-5179
Referrals are welcomed at all times.
Fact or Fiction
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Since the person looks good physically, everything must be OK!
Fact
A person with a brain injury may show no physical signs of disability. However, the ability to learn might have changed.
Fiction
A person who has a sever brain injury will have a serious or permanent disability.
Fact
The severity of the brain injury does not always predict long-term outcome. Recovery from a brain injury is very different from a broken bone. Persons with minor brain injuries can have serious disabilities, and those with serious injuries can have good recoveries. Each injury is different.
Fiction
After six months, a person with a brain injury won't get any better.
Fact
There is no timetable for recovery. Changes may be most rapid during the first six months after injury, but progress may continue at a slower rate for many months and years.
Fiction
A brain injury erases memory.
Fact
Many people have post-traumatic amnesia and can't remember events right before or after the injury. People with brain injuries tend to retain information learned prior to the injury. It is learning new information that is a common problem.
Fact Sheets
Fact Sheets
The following info-bulletins are available by calling the program office at (519) 257-5458:
- Because There Might Be More To A Head Injury Than You Thought?
- Brain Fitness - Your Guide to Good Brain Health
- Having a Helmet Fit
- How To Get Your Children In To The Helmet Habit
- How Can Children and Parents Prevent Winter Sports Injuries?
- Prevention of Playground Injuries
- Soccer Safety
- Football Safety
- Baseball Safety
- Roller Sports Safety
Links
For Clients/Patients (click on the name of the organization to be directed to their website)
For Health Care Providers (click on the item to be directed to the webpage)
Preventative Measures
Preventative Measures
Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Brain Injury
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, motorcycle or while playing sports which recommend head gear.
- Always wear a seat belt while in a motor vehicle.
- Reduce risk taking activities.
- Respect and follow rules of safe sporting.
- Never operate a motor vehicle of any sort while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Always abide by and follow safety procedures in the work place.
No one can ever be totally safe from suffering a brain injury, as sometimes there are certain factors which we cannot control, but following these few steps can reduce the changes significantly.