The recent shift towards self-directed care for individuals on the Connecticut Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program has raised significant concerns within the community. This change, which coincides with GT Independence taking over subsidiary responsibilities from Allied, presents numerous challenges that could compromise the quality and consistency of care for individuals with brain injuries. While self-directed care offers the promise of increased autonomy and personalized services, it also introduces critical risks related to the quality, experience, and oversight of staffing. Moreover, it places an undue burden on individuals and their families, potentially leading to severe gaps in care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Art has long been recognized as a powerful form of expression, offering solace, healing, and a voice to those facing life's challenges. In the vibrant landscape of Connecticut's Brain Injury community, InspireArtsCT stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience.

The aftermath of a brain injury is often a journey marked by profound challenges, extending beyond the individual to the breakdown of natural support structures. Family dynamics, social connections, and community ties can face significant strain. In this blog post, we explore the intricate ways in which brain injuries disrupt these support systems and shed light on the invaluable role community-based ABI Waiver providers, exemplified by The Supported Living Group, play in rebuilding lives for those in Connecticut.

After overseeing The Supported Living Group's (SLG’s) efforts to empower hundreds of brain injury survivors associated with the Connecticut ABI Waiver Program since 2006, it is clear that living with the aftermath of a brain injury is an unparalleled journey that not only affects the individual directly involved but also reshapes the landscape of relationships, daily routines, and emotional well-being. One of the lesser-discussed aspects of this challenging road is the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies it. In this post, I will attempt to delve into the intricacies of isolation after a brain injury, shedding light on the emotional and social dimensions, as well as offering insights and strategies for coping.