Glamping - A Guest Blog About Brain Injury - by Greg Pastore
Glamping is camping only glamorous – this is camping in comfort by bringing non-essential items that fit in your car. With a car full, you can drive up to a campsite and set up a tent without keeping track of daylight. Really, this is the chief concern next to a masterful culinary creation. Making food requires no consideration for bulk and all regards for flavor (Flavor isn’t much of a concern after hiking-in with what can be carried on your back.) With a cooler full of food, a Bluetooth speaker gently played music, which romanticized the moment.
Navigating Employment Loss After a Brain Injury: Lessons from Emilia Clarke’s Journey
Experiencing a brain injury can be life-altering, affecting various aspects of daily life, including employment. The sudden shift from being a capable, productive individual to facing significant challenges can be overwhelming. Actress Emilia Clarke's experience sheds light on this difficult journey, offering valuable insights and hope for brain injury survivors.
The Vital Role of Social Engagement in Brain Injury Recovery: Insights from The Supported Living Group's ABI Waiver Support Services
Social engagement plays a crucial role in the recovery journey of brain injury survivors. At The Supported Living Group (SLG), we recognize the significance of fostering social connections as part of our ABI Waiver support services in Connecticut. In this blog post, we'll explore why social opportunities are essential for brain injury recovery and how SLG empowers survivors through community engagement.
Nourishing Brain Health: The Impact of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet After a Brain Injury
Following a brain injury, prioritizing nutrition becomes paramount in supporting recovery and overall well-being. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in nutrient-dense foods, has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate inflammation and promote healing post-brain injury. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and its potential benefits for individuals navigating the challenges of brain injury, particularly in Connecticut and neighboring states.
"Digging Deeper" – An Interview From Guest Writer Gregg Pastore
As a survivor of brain injury who utilizes services associated with the Connecticut Department of Social Services ABI Waiver program, I was interested in finding out more about those who help develop and oversee my support services. Often there is a divide between providers and those they support and in this post I ask The Supported Living Group’s Executive Director, Jamie Arber, to open up about himself to help me better understand what motivates him to support me and others in the brain injury community.
Navigating the Connecticut Money Follows the Person Program: A Guide for Brain Injury Survivors
Are you or a loved one living with a brain injury in Connecticut and seeking to transition from institutional care to community-based living? The Connecticut Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program may be the solution you've been looking for. In this blog post, we'll explore how brain injury survivors can effectively navigate the MFP Program to achieve greater independence and quality of life.
The Intersection of Brain Injury and Substance Dependence: Challenges and Solutions in Community-Based Services
In recent years, the opioid epidemic has emerged as a significant public health crisis, affecting communities across the nation, including here in Connecticut. Amidst this crisis, another issue often overlooked is the link between substance dependence and brain injury. As providers of community-based support services, it's imperative to understand the complexities that arise when serving individuals with a history of substance dependence alongside a brain injury. In this blog post, we'll explore the challenges associated with this intersection and discuss strategies for effectively addressing these specialized issues.
Understanding Why Brain Injury Survivors Are Vulnerable to Telephone and Online Scams
Brain injury survivors in Connecticut and across the country often face numerous challenges as they navigate life post-injury, including vulnerability to telephone and online scams. In this blog, we explore the reasons behind why brain injury survivors are particularly susceptible to falling victim to scams in the digital age.
Navigating Recovery: Understanding Connecticut's ABI Waiver Program for Brain Injury Survivors
Sustaining a brain injury can be a life-altering experience, presenting numerous challenges that extend far beyond the initial injury. In Connecticut, individuals facing the aftermath of a brain injury often encounter barriers to accessing the healthcare they desperately need. In this blog, we delve into the unique challenges faced by brain injury survivors in Connecticut and explore strategies for overcoming these barriers to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Addressing the Concerns of Missed Screenings for Brain Injuries in Children: A Call to Action
As healthcare professionals dedicated to the well-being of our youngest patients, it is imperative that we address a concerning trend: many children with symptoms of brain injuries and concussions are missing out on vital screenings. This issue, highlighted in a recent national study, underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure every child receives the necessary care.
Understanding Sleep Disturbances After Brain Injury: Causes, Impacts, and Management Strategies
Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, serving as a crucial time for rest, recovery, and cognitive processing. However, individuals who have experienced a brain injury often face significant challenges with sleep, experiencing disturbances that can exacerbate existing symptoms and impact daily functioning. In this blog post, we'll explore the complex relationship between brain injury and sleep disturbances, delve into the underlying causes, and discuss strategies for managing sleep issues effectively.
“Just Letters” A Guest Blog About Brain Injury - by Greg Pastore
It didn’t occur to me until days later that I had been in a ski accident and was totally paralyzed. A merciful doctor diagnosed me with locked-in syndrome. A blot clot formed in my neck, broke free, and entered my brain stem causing an ischemic stroke; I was lucky to be alive. He didn’t need to explain further – I was trapped in my body or ‘locked-in.’ What hope did I have to live a normal life? I’d ruminate on this until the words lost their meaning.
Navigating the Intersection: Trauma-Informed Care in Brain Injury Support Services
In the landscape of brain injury support services in Connecticut, the integration of trauma-informed principles is becoming increasingly crucial. Trauma, whether stemming from the injury itself or pre-existing experiences, can significantly impact an individual's journey toward recovery. In this blog post, we'll explore the imperative for incorporating trauma-informed care into brain injury support services and the transformative benefits it offers.
Choosing the Right Connecticut ABI Waiver Service Provider: Key Considerations
Selecting a Connecticut ABI Waiver Service Provider Agency is a significant decision that can profoundly impact the quality of care and support received by individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABIs). With numerous options available, it's essential to navigate the selection process thoughtfully. In this blog post, we outline crucial considerations to help you make an informed choice and ensure that you find a provider that meets your needs effectively.
The Vital Role of In-House Clinical Support Services in Connecticut's ABI Waiver Program
In the realm of brain injury rehabilitation, access to comprehensive clinical support services is paramount for achieving optimal outcomes. Within the Connecticut ABI Waiver Program, The Supported Living Group (SLG) stands out for its commitment to providing in-house clinical support through neuropsychologists and board-certified behavioral analysts. In this blog post, we delve into the importance of these specialized services and their profound impact on individuals navigating the complexities of acquired brain injuries (ABI).
Empowering Success: The Vital Role of Support Staff in Connecticut ABI Waiver Programs
At The Supported Living Group (SLG), our commitment to empowering individuals extends far beyond providing basic support. Our dedicated support staff play a pivotal role in helping Connecticut ABI Waiver I & II participants achieve their personal and professional goals. Let's delve into the critical role these compassionate individuals play in fostering success and independence.
Shedding Light on Brain Injury Awareness Month 2024: Understanding its Profound Significance
As we embark on Brain Injury Awareness Month in 2024, it's essential to recognize the profound importance of this annual observance. This dedicated month provides a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for support systems for individuals affected by brain injuries. Let's delve deeper into why Brain Injury Awareness Month matters now more than ever.
Understanding the Impact of Memory Loss Associated with Brain Injury
Memory loss is a common and often significant consequence of brain injury, affecting individuals in various aspects of their lives. Whether the injury is caused by trauma, stroke, or other factors, the resulting memory impairment can have profound effects on cognitive function, daily activities, and overall quality of life
Navigating the Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services Waiting Lists in Connecticut: A Journey from 2016 to 2023
Access to Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) has been a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, providing essential support to individuals with disabilities and seniors who wish to live independently in their communities. However, for many Connecticut residents, the path to accessing these vital services has been fraught with challenges, often manifesting in long waiting lists. In this blog post, we delve into the landscape of HCBS waiting lists from 2016 to 2023, exploring the factors contributing to these lists, the evolving policies, and the implications for individuals and families struggling with the impact of brain injury to secure support in Connecticut
Navigating Love After Brain Injury: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Connection
For brain injury survivors, the journey of finding love and companionship can be both rewarding and challenging. While love knows no bounds, the unique hurdles faced by survivors often require patience, understanding, and resilience. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common issues encountered by brain injury survivors in the realm of dating and relationships, as well as strategies for overcoming them.