SERVICE GUIDE
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The provision of support services is based on the following beliefs:
- Each individual is a unique adult and is deserving of respect and dignity.
- Support should be flexible, individualized and reflective of choices, abilities and existing support networks.
- Choice often involves some elements of risk. Where possible, individuals will be permitted to experience the result of their choices to the extent they are able.
- Independence is a dynamic process of accessing people and services as challenges and successes change.
We rigorously promote the rights of the individual and promote recognition of acquired brain injury and how it affects individuals and families through ongoing advocacy and public education.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Access to the programs and services by Brain Injury Community Re-entry is based on the following criteria:
- Diagnosis of an acquired brain injury is defined as damage to the brain, which occurs after birth. The brain damage may be due to a traumatic injury to the head incurred through a motor vehicle or other traffic accident, a fall, an assault, a sports injury, etc. It may also be caused by other conditions such as a tumour, anoxia, an infection (e.g. encephalitis) or a stroke.
- Specialized nursing needs are addressed by other professional agencies.
- Age Criteria: Individuals who are 18 years of age or older. Consideration is given to individuals 16 to 18 years of age.
- Priority is given to residents of the Niagara Region.
- Individuals have the desire to increase their independence and express interest in participating in a program to accomplish their goals.
- Individual assessments will be completed for persons experiencing significant behavioural and/or psychiatric challenges.
- The administration of medication will be evaluated on an individual basis.
INTAKE SERVICES
To receive information on services, anyone can contact our office to speak to the Intake Coordinator. The Intake Coordinator will:
- Explain the services available for individuals and family members.
- Send written material concerning programs and services.
- Determine if BICR services are suitable to meet an individual's needs.
- Arrange a meeting to further discuss service and/or complete an application and the forms necessary for admission.
- Discuss what goals and achievements are important to the individual.
- Review the application and any relevant reports, including medical information, to assist in determining eligibility.
There are times when, due to large number of applications, a waiting list exists. It is important to contact BICR early in an individual's rehabilitation to initiate the application process. When there is a waiting period for services, the Intake Coordinator will refer the individual to Case Coordination Services.
CASE COORDINATION
BICR developed Case Coordination Services to provide 3-6 months interim support to individuals on the wait list. This support may include:
- Assistance with linking the individual to other services in the community.
- Introduction to recreational and educational programs offered at BICR.
- Advocating with the individual and their families with regards to immediate concerns, such as transportation, housing, finances, etc.
- Providing assistance with developing personal goals.
- Assisting with the transition to BICR services as opening becomes available.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Psychological Services help people to understand and change what they do, so that they can function better and enjoy life more. The areas addressed by our psychologist include:
- Anger Management
- Increasing ability to communicate
- Maximizing potential
- Improving relationships with others
- Increasing insight into disability
- Educational and work issues
- Skill development or improvement
- Family and staff training
The primary focus for psychology in rehabilitation for persons with brain injury is that it enables participants, families and those offering support to understand and act in ways that result in movement toward a goal.
SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
The Social Work Department at BICR offers services to both the individuals with a brain injury as well as family members. The personalized, goal-oriented and caring social work program includes:
- Individual and family assessment
- Individual, couples and family counselling
- Group work
- Linkages and partnerships with other community agencies to facilitate optimal provision of services, i.e. alcohol and substance abuse
- Family education
- Support and advocacy
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS TRAINING PROGRAM
In partnership with the Ontario March of Dimes, Personal Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) offers programs for individuals who require assistance with developing skills prior to looking for work, volunteer placements or becoming active in the community.
Individuals in this program attend sessions at the March of Dimes and have an interest in the following:
- Academic/life skills
- Brain injury education
- Physical exercise
- Problem solving
- Leisure development
- Computer training
VOCATIONAL PROGRAM
BICR's vocational program consists of a Vocational Coordinator and Vocational Counsellors who assist persons in locating employment and/or volunteer work. This program works in partnership with Niagara Employment Alliance. The vocational goals are determined by mutual agreement between participant and BICR staff.
Following the completion of an interest inventory, options are explored with each participant. For example, Individuals may express interest in writing a resume, obtaining experience in volunteer ventures, the planter box program or secure support with competitive employment.
The vocational options are as follows:
- Development of pre-employment skills
- Volunteer work
- Part time/full time employment
During a work placement, each individual receives support from a job coach to assist with learning skills and making a successful transition into a work environment.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATIONAL SERVICES
What is recreation? What is leisure? What is play?
What do you think of when you hear these words? Fun, relaxation, not punching a time card, free time, being with friends, learning a new skill, challenging oneself, achievement, self expression: recreation and leisure can mean all these things and more.
We provide service and support to individuals who are creating new identities for themselves after experiencing a brain injury.
Therapeutic Recreation Services include:
Individual Assessment and Counselling
An opportunity to discuss an individual's needs and goals to become more active in the community
Community Inclusion
Working with individuals to help them locate and become involved with existing groups and clubs in the community
Peer Partners
This is an individualized program where a participant is matched with another individual (a student, volunteer, or staff member) who is responsible for instructing the participant in specific tasks that will lead to the achievement of their objectives.
Community Explorations
A sign up or drop in experience for participants to explore and learn about community recreational outlets, or to take advantage of cultural/entertainment/educational opportunities.
MUSIC THERAPY
Music Therapy is the use of music to help create positive change. During interactive sessions, participants have an opportunity to:
- Express feelings
- Increase socialization
- Increase, maintain language recall
- Increase, maintain attention span
- Decrease stress
COMMUNITY OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Outreach Support Services (COSS) provides support to individuals living in the community. Each person receives individualized support from a Case Facilitator to determine their goals in relation to work, education, home and leisure activities.
Services include:
- Development of a plan outlining an individual's goals and the steps necessary to accomplish these goals
- Assistance with planning and learning strategies to increase independence
- Support to complete daily activities, e.g. budgeting, groceries, meal planning, cooking, household chores
- Strategies to improve learning, problem solving and memory limitations
BUCKLEY TOWERS APARTMENT PROGRAM
This program provides transitional living opportunities for participants in the city of Niagara Falls. Each individual lives in their own apartment with rental costs geared to income. A separate apartment is maintained for staff. Hours of support are based on the requirements of the participants. Apartments are located on various floors throughout the building.
The program is designed to help participants become more independent and develop skills to be able to live on their own.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
BICR currently operates four community based residential homes that are located throughout the Niagara Region: three in Welland and one in St. Catharines. These homes provide staffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the participants who live there. Each person is involved in developing their goals and objectives, with the assistance of the Case Facilitator who is assigned to them. All programs and activities are created based on the individual needs of each person receiving service. The role of the staff is to assist participants with a variety of tasks, ranging from activities of daily living to seeking and maintaining employment. An individual's rehabilitation is based on the mutual effort between a participant, family members, staff and partners in the community.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
The active participation of citizens of the community provides a valued service to BICR. The agency accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels of the agency and within all appropriate programs and activities.
BICR offers volunteer services to its participants on an ongoing basis (if necessary). The following volunteer programs are currently in place:
- Friendly visiting
- Peer partners
- Driving to and from appointments
If you think you may benefit from any of these programs; then please fill out a "Request for a Volunteer" form with the Intake Coordinator, who will forward it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Educational Services provide a series of informative workshops for staff, participants and families. A variety of topics are offered throughout the year to address varied needs. Topics may include acquired brain injury education, understanding depression, coping with memory problems, and managing time effectively. A quarterly calendar is distributed outlining all future workshops. To receive a copy of the calendar or to register for attendance, contact the Educational Coordinator.