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Both through clinical work and through research, we recognise that those who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) may need expert help to achieve and maintain a reasonable quality of life.
Case Management Services provides brain injury case managers in order to:
- Find, train, and support suitable carers
- Co-ordinate the team of carers
- Find and co-ordinate any therapists that need to be involved
- Identify suitable activities and supports for the TBI survivor
- Ensure that the TBI survivor's time is structured with suitable activities
The overall aim is to achieve the best possible reintegration into the community and to enable long-term living in the community.
Why is case management needed?
Following severe brain injury, individuals may be left with a range of permanent deficits. While the exact difficulties experienced vary, some problems are very common indeed, including:
Cognitive deficits
 Language/communication difficulties
Memory problems
Difficulty learning new information
Reduced mental speed
Poor concentration
There is often difficulty with future planning, even of simple activities.
Behavioural changes
Lack of initiative and motivation
Lack of insight into their condition
Increased tiredness
Irritability
Childishness
Depressed mood
Social withdrawal
Physical limitations may include
Balance difficulties
Reduced strength and power in muscles
Lack of precise control of movement
What does a case manager do?
The role of a case manager may include:
- Setting up a care regime
Recruiting, maintaining and training carers. Putting forward an appropriate and cohesive care package. Acting as support and confidante to members of the care team.
- Organising therapy and training
Introducing remedial activities and retraining. Maintenance of current fitness and mobility. Improvement and maintenance of daily independence.
- Family intervention
Acting as a mediator, informing families what the individual can and cannot do, and what they need to be prompted to do for themselves.
- Researching activities
Exploring possible social activities, encouraging any current interests, and prompting new ones. Investigating the possibility of some form of employment, if appropriate.
The case manager provides the overall co-ordination of continuing rehabilitation and care, identifying local resources and activities to help the brain injured individual to structure his or her time.
How do we provide a case manager?
Following a referral for case management we conduct a full assessment of the client's needs by reviewing the relevant records and meeting with the client and a close family member.
From this we identify the client's key requirements and match these to a case manager we believe is equipped to do the job in terms of qualifications, experience and personality.
We find a case manager who is local to the client, so that the case manager has local knowledge and will be on the spot when needed.
Once the client has been assessed and a case manager found, we are able to prepare a proposal. This details our recommendations as regards the package of case management, and care where necessary.
For areas in which we are able to provide this service, please see map.
What are the costs involved?
We charge a flat monthly fee depending on the complexity of the case. This will be assessed on the basis of:
- The amount of input/activity the client requires
- A risk assessment based on the client's behavioural, mood, or psychiatric problems, and family involvement
The case manager's role includes co-ordinating the injured person's further placement, care, rehabilitation, and training. This includes liaising with health, social, and educational services to find elements of occupation, care, rehabilitation, and training, and liaising with family members, care workers, and others involved.
Such a role involves an on-call element, with the case manager being available for support and guidance when required, and should a particular difficulty arise. The case manager should apply his/her mind generally to finding suitable activities, courses, and so on for the person being case-managed.
The case manager is supervised, and there are regular case reviews in-house. The case manager uses a system of record-keeping and goal setting. Monthly progress reports are provided.
What do you do now?
If you have a client who you consider may benefit from our services please contact us.
In order to make a referral for case management we require a written referral accompanied by any relevant medical records and case reports. On receipt of this information, which we shall acknowledge and start to progress the case.
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