PROGRAM AND SERVICES 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, individuals can contact the BICR 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 a 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.
CASE COORDINATION
Case Coordination is a time-limited service that provides initial service coordination to individuals who are deemed eligible. 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 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 openings become available.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Psychological Services help people to understand and change what they do, so that they can function better and enjoy life more with people that matter. The areas addressed by our Psychologist include:
- Psychological, neurosychological, and behavioral assessments.
- Stress management and emotional self-regulation.
- Relationship and communication.
- Cognitive rehabilitation.
- Biofeedback and neurofeedback.
- Staff and family education.
The main focus for psychology in rehabilitation for persons with a brain injury is to enable participants, families and those who provide support to understand and act in ways that result in progress toward goals that matter.
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 Social Worker program is personalized and goal-oriented and 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 day programming 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 may attend sessions at the March of Dimes and have an interest in the following:
- Skill training: learn from a variety of functional skill activities and participate in group activities, i.e. life skills such as computer training, literacy, numeracy and cognitive training.
- Physical Exercise: participate in individual and group exercise programs to promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Leisure Development: partake in leisure and recreational activities while socially interacting with others in a group environment.
- Community Skills Development: attending community outings where individuals will have opportunities to socially interact with others.
- Support Volunteer Placements: contribute as a volunteer with community agencies/organizations, and/or develop pre-employment skills to progress to a supported employment program.
VOCATIONAL PROGRAM
Brain Injury Community Re-entry (Niagara) Inc., developed a Vocational Services component in November of 1999 for the purpose of assisting participants in identifying work related goals based upon their interests and abilities.
BICR serves individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury and are willing to commit to a vocational goal. The vocational options are as follows:
- Volunteer Placements
- Job Placements
- Job Coaching
- Vocational Assessment
- Job Readiness Program
- Employment Planning
- Workplace Assessment
- Job Trials
- Pre-employment Training
Within Vocational Services there are various groups offered to participants that assist in job readiness. These include: Volunteer Ventures, Headstart Program, Work, Rest and Play (WRAP) and Horticulture Therapy.
RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES
BICR provides service and support to individuals who are interested in accessing and expanding social and recreational opportunities within the community. Recreation Services include:
A quarterly publication entitled Learning and Leisure Guide along with a Recreation Calendar provides an outline of recreational and therapeutic group activities being offered. Ongoing groups include:
- WRAP (Work, Rest and Play), this group operates in partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission. BICR participants volunteer weekly to assist in seeding in greenhouses and maintaining gardens on the grounds.
- Art lessons using oil paints are offered weekly at Whispering Pines Art Studio in Sherkston.
- Men and Women's social and support groups.
Day trips and vacation opportunities throughout the year include:
- Sporting events (i.e. Blue Jay game, Toronto Rock Lacrosse, etc.)
- Museums and cultural activities (i.e. Royal Ontario Science Centre). Theme parks and fall fairs (i.e. Marineland, Balls Falls Art Festival, Welland Food Festival, etc.)
- Vacations are offered to Geneva Park in Orilla where indiviudals can relax with a book under a shady tree or complete a craft, take a nature hike, swim and canoe on the calm lake of Geneva Park.
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.
TRANSITIONAL APARTMENT PROGRAM (BUCKLEY TOWERS)
Based in the city of Niagara Falls this program provides transitional living opportunities for participants. 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 by developing their independent and living skills over a period of 18 to 24 months.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
BICR currently operates three community based residential homes that are located throughout the Niagara Region: two in Welland and one in St. Catharines. These homes provide staffing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Each participant is involved in developing their own rehabilitation goals with assistance from the Case Facilitator and Rehabilitation Counsellors. All programs and scheduled activities are created based on the participant's needs and interests. The role of the staff is to assist participants with a variety of tasks, including activities of daily living, participating in meaningful, productive activities and establishing frequent community involvement. An individual's rehabilitation is based on the mutual effort between the participant, family members, staff and partnerships 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.
- Transportation to and from appointments.
If you think you may benefit from any of these programs, please speak to the Intake 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. All educational opportunities are featured in the Learning and Leisure Guide which is distributed quarterly to all registered participants and family members.
