QUESTION:

My brother lives next door to my parents who are elderly. Because he has memory problems, my parents make sure he is home each evening, that he takes his medication, and basically that his safety is maintained (e.g., stove off, back door locked). Although my brother can take care of all his basic activities of daily living, he needs a minimum level of daily supervision. Are there any supervised housing programs for people with traumatic brain injury who do not need nursing care or a "locked ward?" How do I find out about housing options for him?

QUESTION:

Our father will need help with many activities of daily living when he returns home from the hospital. He will be using a wheelchair for the first time. The family wants to help my father function as independently as possible. How can we prepare the home for his return? What modifications and assistive devices should we be considering?

QUESTION:

I am a case manager working mainly with people who have long-term mental illnesses. Some of my clients have participated in a clubhouse for people with mental illnesses, and I’ve seen this type of program for people with mental retardation. Some of my colleagues and I are curious whether the clubhouse model is being used for people with brain injuries. Is it a feasible approach for enhancing independence skills in this population? My organization may be interested in starting a clubhouse for these clients; are there any clubhouses already established for people with brain injuries?

QUESTION:

Our son has been discharged from five nursing homes in the past few years due to unmanageable behavior. He has emotional outbursts, is non-cooperative with staff, swears at staff and patients, and has been known to hit other patients. We cannot provide the care he needs at home, nor are we able to manage his behavior. What can we do?

QUESTION:

I have been referred to my local center for independent living. What can I expect to see there, and how can they help someone with a brain injury?