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Helping Individuals and Families Navigate Brain Injury Recovery
Welcome to The Journey Ahead.
This space is for survivors, family members, friends, and caregivers to learn about brain injury, and to find suitable and appropriate supports, information about additional services, funding sources, and more.
The Journey Begins
The Journey Begins
The beginning of your journey may seem overwhelming and uncertain. We are here to help you navigate the path of healing and recovery. It is our hope that you, your family, friends, and caregivers will find the appropriate health care professionals and resources you need.
From Hospital to Home (this label block is not shown)
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From Hospital to HomeI have recently been released from hospital and have a diagnosis of a brain injury. Where do I find support? Each brain injury is different and what is best for each person may be different too. We encourage you to visit our section on What’s Best for Me to begin making notes on what you and your family will need. It is extremely important to allow yourself to rest and to slow the pace of daily living. To connect with your local Health Authority, or to find a community-based Brain Injury in your area, visit our resource section. In the keyword search, type abi and your health region, or brain injury association and your region. |
Non-Hospitalized (this label block is not shown)
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Non-HospitalizedI fell and hit my head a few days ago. I didn’t go to the hospital or seek medical attention. I am dizzy and experiencing headaches. Do I have a concussion? We are not able to provide medical advice or make a diagnosis, but we can encourage you to visit a local clinic, your physician, or an emergency room to be assessed properly. For information on concussions, and what to ask your doctor, visit MyGuide Concussion. To find Concussion Rehab Services in your area, visit the Brainstreams Resource page. |
Acquired Brain Injuries (this label block is not shown)
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Acquired Brain InjuriesAn Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) occurs after birth. It is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or caused by birth trauma. ABI includes traumatic and non-traumatic injuries. Non-traumatic brain injury includes, but is not limited to, stroke, tumours, lack of oxygen (Hypoxic/Anoxic) drug overdose, drowning, strangulation and more. To learn more about ABI and to view our educational videos, click here. |
Traumatic Brain Injuries (this label block is not shown)
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Traumatic Brain InjuriesA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) results from external blows or a force to the head. You do not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a brain injury. The causes of a TBI include, but is not limited to, falls, assaults, motor vehicle crashes, domestic/intimate partner violence, workplace injuries, sports-related injuries and more. A traumatic brain injury can be closed (non-penetrating) or open (penetrating). For more information on TBI and the injured brain, check out our resources here. |
Crash-related Injuries (this label block is not shown)
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Crash-related InjuriesI was recently involved in a car crash and don’t understand what benefits are available to me through ICBC? In April 2019, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) brought in an Enhanced Care Model. For more information on this model, read our blog here. In response to these changes, Brainstreams, in partnership with ICBC created the following videos: Part One: ICBC Accidents Benefits Coverage Part Two: Treatment Provider Options Part Three: Support Organizations and Services Part Four: Being Active in Your Own Recovery |
Work-Related Injuries (this label block is not shown)
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Work-Related InjuriesWorkSafeBC – Head Injury Treatment and Assessment Services are available to individuals living in every BC health authority, including, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, Island Health Authority, Interior Health Authority and Northern Health Authority. To report a workplace injury call WorkSafeBC’s Teleclaim: 1-888-WORKERS (1-888-967-5377) Look here for the contact information for all the many specific office locations. View WorkSafe BC’s listing of services. Tips on Returning to Work. |
Further resources and reading:
Home & Recovery
Home & Recovery
Every brain injury is different. This means the needs of an individual will vary. There are many things to consider when you are home and recovering. We hope our topics here will provide the guidance you are seeking.
Funding Sources (this label block is not shown)
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Funding SourcesI have a brain injury and no funding. Where do I go for help? Brainstreams funding page is a good first step to guide you to available resources. To locate funded services in your area, or to connect with your local health authority, visit HealthLink BC or call 604-215-8110. Check our additional resources section for more links. |
Specialized Services (this label block is not shown)
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Specialized ServicesWhat are specialized services? The category of specialized services could include occupational therapy, speech language pathology, computer-based technology, mobility services, counselling, and more. To locate a specific type of service, visit our resource section and type in the kind of service you are looking for as a keyword. We also have some services listed in our Healthcare Professionals directory. |
Community Services (this label block is not shown)
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Community ServicesCommunity-based programs and services for brain injury survivors and their families are provided by Brain Injury Associations, community service organizations, and the Health Authority Brain Injury Programs. Services provided in the community include case management, counselling, life skills, housing, community engagement, and more. Locate a Brain Injury Association or Community Service by typing in your city or postal code on our Resource Directory. For a list of Brain Injury Alliance Members, click here. |
Compensatory Services (this label block is not shown)
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Compensatory ServicesI have heard the terms compensatory strategies and compensatory services. What do they mean? Compensatory strategies are intended to assist an individual in performing tasks using adaptive aids and/or finding alternative ways to do things. Compensatory strategies assist with impairment in attention, memory, executive functioning and/or other cognitive skills as identified in rehabilitation goals. Compensatory Services would include agencies to support a person with hearing, vision, life skills and more. A good place to begin locating rehabilitation providers who provide compensatory services is our Resource section. For more information on Compensatory Strategies, click here. |
Role of Family/Friends/Caregiver(s) (this label block is not shown)
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Role of Family/Friends/Caregiver(s)Family, friends, and caregivers play an important role in a survivor’s journey of recovery. You will find more information in our Family and Friends section below. A resource available to family and caregivers can be found here. |
Further resources and reading:
Friends & Family
Friends & Family
Family and friends are important in a survivor's journey of rehabilitation and recovery.
The impact of brain injury can profoundly affect relationships. The intention of this section is to provide support to family and friends and to foster all relationships.
Connections (this label block is not shown)
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ConnectionsThe roles and responsibilities shift in a family following a brain injury. Sometimes the stress of what is happening, and/or the changes in the family cause connections to become strained. Although it takes effort, heart-to-heart connections can be restored. To learn more on preparing yourself and your family for life after brain injury, click here. |
Fostering relationships (this label block is not shown)
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Fostering relationshipsHow can I foster and nourish my relationship with my loved one who is living with a brain injury? It’s helpful to understand how a brain injury impacts relationships. Here are some resources: How Brain Injury Affects Friendships Friendships: 5 Ways to Support Someone with a Brain Injury Starting or Nourishing Romantic Relationships After Brain Injury |
Communication (this label block is not shown)
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CommunicationEffective communication is important in all relationships. When life becomes stressful, communication can breakdown. Whether you are rebuilding connections, or fostering and nourishing existing relationships, or looking to develop new relationships, good communication will be key. 9 Things NOT to say to Someone With a Brain Injury For information on Communication and Language Changes, click here. |
Support (this label block is not shown)
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SupportThe journey of rehabilitation and recovery after brain injury requires support, not only for the survivor, but also for their family, friends, and caregivers. Learn more about caregiver support here. |
Further resources and reading:
Housing
Housing
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable, home regardless of income level, or needs. To determine existing housing and availability in your community, visit our resource section here.
Permanent/Transitional/Suitable & Affordable (this label block is not shown)
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Permanent/Transitional/Suitable & AffordableIf you are looking for housing after your brain injury, there are a variety of models to research. Permanent or market rent – if you have stable income and either do not require supports where you live, or you are able to hire supports privately to come into your apartment or home. Transitional Housing – these are program-based housing and usually include some supports. Tenancy is based on three years or less. An effective transitional housing model is Mary Cridge Manor. Housing with Supports - should a survivor require 24/7 care or supports, agencies such as Connect Communities, provide long-term supports and housing. Other models, such as Linda’s Place in Campbell River, provides individual apartments with some supports. To learn about BC Housing's Support Housing in the Community, click here. |
Rent Subsidies (this label block is not shown)
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Rent SubsidiesDoes BC have a rent subsidy program? If so, how do I find out if I am eligible to apply? British Columbia has a rental assistance program for families whose income (before tax) is $40,000 or less, per year. For more information, click here. |
BC Housing/Non-Profit (this label block is not shown)
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BC Housing/Non-ProfitDoes BC Housing provide supportive housing? Supportive Housing assists individuals who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This type of housing is for young folks, seniors, and for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Trained support workers are matched with individuals to work alongside them to customize their personal and housing goals. For more information, click here. To learn more about subsidized housing and how to qualify, visit BC Housing. |
Accessible Housing/Modifications (this label block is not shown)
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Accessible Housing/ModificationsI need to make modifications to my home. Is there funding available to help with this? If you have a low-income and require home adaptations for independent living, you may qualify for a rebate through the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program. To learn more about BC RAHA, click here. |
Further resources and reading:
Returning to Activities
Returning to Activities
Rehabilitation and recovery can feel like a long, drawn-out process. It’s normal to want to get back to doing all the things you loved before being injured; however, moving ahead too quickly is not beneficial. We hope our guidance here will assist you in planning a future of meaningful activity whether it is employment, volunteering, going back to school, or recreation and sports.
Returning to Work (this label block is not shown)
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Returning to WorkReturning to work is not a goal for everyone. Working provides income and meaningful activity, as well as structure and social opportunities. If returning to work is your goal, a carefully timed plan to ensure success is needed. You can learn more about returning to work here. If you are returning to work following a work-related injury, read WorkSafe BC’s – Your Guide to Return to Work. Checklist for Returning to Work Returning to Work After Brain Injury TBI Survivors Share Their Journey Back to Work Job Accommodations for Return-to-Work Employers: Check out our blog to download FVBIA Employers Guide to ABI 2022 |
Vocational Rehabilitation (this label block is not shown)
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Vocational RehabilitationWhat is vocational rehabilitation and how can it help me? Vocational rehabilitation is an individualized employment program to help eliminate barriers for individuals with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Services may include counselling, training, job placement and other services to support a successful return-to-work and employment retention. Vocational Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury and the Power of Networking |
Returning to School (this label block is not shown)
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Returning to SchoolI want to go back to school. Are there any programs specializing in cognitive impairment? Going back to school may be an option for you. Much like returning to work, returning to school requires a well thought-out plan. All post-secondary institutions in BC have a disability or accessibility services department. They will work 1:1 with students to ensure their needs for education and work/life goals are met. Learn more here. Click these links to learn about GF Strong’s Specialized Services School Program and the BC Centre for Abilities tips on Preparing Your Child to Return to School. |
Volunteerism (this label block is not shown)
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VolunteerismI cannot return to work, so I am thinking about volunteering. What are the benefits?
Check our resource on becoming a volunteer, here. For more information on the benefits of volunteer and how to connect with agencies, visit Volunteer BC, and World Vision Canada. |
Recreation & Sports (this label block is not shown)
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Recreation & SportsWhen can I return to sports and recreational activities? There are many emotional and physical benefits to returning to sports and recreational activities. It’s always important to discuss returning to the activities you love with your physician, healthcare provider, and/or medical team. Every brain injury is different so the timing will vary from person to person. To learn more, visit our Healthy Living section. To find resources in your community to assist with sports and recreation, type in your postal code and key words here. |
Further resources and reading:
The Journey Continues
The Journey Continues
Recovery is a process. The journey for each person will be different. What a person needs today may be different than what they need in six months, one year, or ten years from now. As your journey continues, visit this section to suitable resources.
Online Resources (this label block is not shown)
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Online ResourcesWe invite you to visit Brainstreams often as we continually update our resource listings. Addtional online resources: |
Brain Injury Associations (this label block is not shown)
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Brain Injury AssociationsTo locate a Brain Injury Association in your area, visit our resource page and type in your postal code. To locate a member of the Brain Injury Alliance of BC, click here. |
Support Groups (this label block is not shown)
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Support GroupsSupport groups specific to brain injury survivors, family, or caregivers are valuable resources. Connecting with others who share a lived experience is helpful in understanding the journey you are on and in learning useful strategies to move forward. |
Community Supports (this label block is not shown)
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Community SupportsWhat additional community supports would be helpful after a brain injury? How Can Physical Therapy Help? Why is Recreational Therapy Important Following a Brain Injury? |
Specialized Services (this label block is not shown)
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Specialized ServicesSpecialized services could include occupational therapy, speech language pathology, computer-based technology, mobility services, counselling, and more. Check Brainstreams resource page to find services in your area. Canadian Professional Counsellors Association BC Association of Clinical Counsellors |
Supportive Resources (this label block is not shown)
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Supportive ResourcesCrisis and Intervention Lines (BC) BC Brain Injury Association / Brainstreams |