Acquired Brain Injuries

ABI Training: Module 1

This module encompasses diverse topics such as the causes of ABI, the usage of the Glasgow Coma Scale to assess the severity of a coma, and the interpretation of its results. We delve into the recovery timeline for ABI, highlighting the crucial period of five years post-injury, and why it is essential for rehabilitation. The video sheds light on the individuality of brain injuries, emphasizing that no two cases are the same, much like the people they affect. The module also discusses symptom overlap and dual diagnosis, offering real-world examples for better comprehension. Concluding with a knowledge check, this video provides a comprehensive insight into acquired brain injuries, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

ABI Training: Module 2

We delve into the complexities of Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) with a focus on the role of executive functioning and how to manage related behavioral deficits. The video begins with an explanation of executive functioning, describing its vast influence over various aspects of our lives. We highlight how this key function is managed by the frontal lobe, situated behind the eyes and in the forehead region of the brain. Next, we examine the impacts of frontal lobe damage, specifically how such damage can manifest as impulsive behavior. We offer five practical strategies to aid in managing impulsivity, such as redirection and the 10-10-10 strategy. Following this, we explore the issue of emotional control, from extreme mood swings to rapid escalation of anger. The video outlines how active listening and emotional validation can help manage these situations. We then discuss the problems associated with flexible thinking in ABI clients, highlighting how providing gentle guidance can aid in problem-solving. Finally, the module covers short-term memory deficits, offering simple strategies like reminders, notes, large calendars, and apps to assist in managing this challenge.

ABI Training: Module 3

Welcome to Module 3 of our Acquired Brain Injuries training, a comprehensive guide designed to empower RSWs and enhanced PSWs to effectively aid clients in self-monitoring, insight, and the 'four Ps' - planning, predicting, prioritizing, and problem-solving. This module focuses on helping clients who struggle with self-awareness due to their brain injury. They might be oblivious to their inappropriate behavior or fail to recognize physical cues, such as feeling tired or overheated. We discuss methods for gently and politely guiding clients to an understanding of their deficits. We then move on to the crucial 'four Ps'. We emphasize that this can apply to both big-picture and everyday tasks, from planning a wedding to deciding what to wear based on the weather. We provide effective strategies for helping clients generate ideas for their goals, anticipate potential problems, devise solutions, and prioritize actions. We present a practical worksheet, 'Goal, Plan, Predict, Do, Review', to assist clients with planning and problem-solving tasks. We illustrate its use with the example of cleaning a kitchen, showcasing how even such seemingly mundane tasks require significant planning, predicting, prioritizing, and problem-solving.

ABI Training: Module 4

Welcome to the Acquired Brain Injuries learning module four for Arcadia Home Care. In this module, we will explore motivation deficits and task initiation, focusing on how to support individuals who are grappling with a lack of motivation. We will also discuss the issues of organization, attention filtering, and how to handle a client that has trouble focusing. Damage to certain areas of the brain can cause a decrease in motivation, leading a client to become indifferent, lacking interest in their hobbies, and appearing apathetic. They may even seem lazy or depressed, making the task of providing care and support challenging. When working with a client with motivation deficits or difficulties in initiating tasks, there are several strategies to consider. Praising the client for participating or completing tasks can be beneficial, as can illustrating the advantages of completing the task. Using a 'first-then' approach (first, we do the exercises, then we can have a treat) can also be effective. Sometimes, allowing the natural consequences of inaction to occur can serve as a wake-up call for the client. Deficits in organization often relate to challenges with planning, predicting, problem-solving, and prioritizing. Clients may struggle with organizing schedules, living environments, or tasks, often leaving tasks incomplete and their environment cluttered. To help a client improve organizational skills, consider breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable parts or creating a step-by-step list, known as a 'behavior chain'. Providing tools such as calendars or whiteboards to assist with schedule management can also be helpful. In situations requiring attention filtering, clients with an ABI may have difficulty tuning out extraneous stimuli, leading to fatigue and feelings of overwhelm. It is vital to conduct sessions in quiet, distraction-free environments whenever possible, and to guide and reassure the client during unavoidably busy scenarios. Regular redirection to the task at hand may be necessary for clients who are easily distracted. Understanding and implementing these strategies can significantly aid in supporting clients with an acquired brain injury, enhancing their engagement, organization, and focus.

ABI Training: Module 5

Welcome to Acquired Brain Injuries training module number five for Arcadia Home Care. This session emphasizes on understanding and managing speech and language deficits, inappropriate speech, and fatigue common in individuals with brain injuries. This includes identifying word-finding issues, learning to communicate effectively with patience, and using descriptive prompts to aid language recall. The module highlights the need for teaching clients about conversational appropriateness, considering some may lose their social filter post-injury. Lastly, it discusses fatigue, likening it to a video game's health meter, with energy conservation strategies such as task chunking to manage daily activities. The training concludes with a knowledge check via email, providing an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding.

ABI Training: Module 6

Welcome to Arcadia Home Care's Acquired Brain Injuries Module 6, where we delve into the physical deficits that clients may experience. We'll learn about motor control deficits, issues with walking or balance, and vision problems, including what a 'field cut' is. Two key types we will discuss are Ataxia and Limb kinetic apraxia. Ataxia involves a loss of muscle coordination, potentially causing shaky movements, slurred speech, or unsteady walking. Limb kinetic apraxia, on the other hand, hinders complex, previously learned movements, affecting fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. We'll also examine the concept of muscle tone, and how some clients' muscles might constantly be rigid due to a high level of muscle tone. Next, we will cover Hemiplegia versus Hemiparesis, conditions characterized by paralysis and weakness on one side of the body respectively. Finally, we'll explore vision impairments, particularly field cuts, where a client may not see things on either side. We'll learn strategies for safety, such as prompting clients to scan their environment thoroughly. As always, the module ends with a set of questions for you to answer and send to your RSW manager. Let's dive in!

ABI Training: Anger and Aggression

Welcome to Arcadia Home Care's Acquired Brain Injuries Anger and Aggression Training module. This brief but critical module will help you understand the progression of an individual's aggression, the signs of escalating anger, and effective strategies for handling such situations. We'll delve into the six steps of the 'Aggression Continuum Ladder', beginning from a state of calm and progressing towards physical violence. We'll discuss how this progression could be directed towards a person, an object, or even an abstract concept. Recognizing these steps and intervening early on is crucial to prevent the situation from escalating to physical violence. Through graph comparisons, we'll see how individuals with a brain injury and those without can differ in their speed of progression through the aggression continuum. Next, we'll explore some strategies to employ when dealing with angry and aggressive clients. Keeping calm, avoiding any demands, and modeling appropriate behavior are a few key measures. We'll also look at spatial considerations, the importance of knowing your exits, and the pitfalls of physical restraint. Once the client has returned to a calm state, we'll discuss understanding their triggers, recognizing the signs of escalating anger, and guiding them in effective self-management techniques. By the end of this module, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of handling aggressive and angry situations in the context of brain injuries. Let's begin!