The ABI Day Treatment Program is a supportive, creative group where you can: learn about acquired brain injuries, take part in meaningful activities, explore your strengths, and develop a wide range of skills, such as ways to manage ongoing challenges. This pamphlet explains who the program is for, how to sign up, and the two parts of the program. Contact information is provided.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) causes you to lose brain cells. This means that your remaining brain cells have to work harder to do the same kinds of activities as before your injury. Using alcohol and drugs affects how your brain works. If you have an ABI, using alcohol and drugs can have a serious effect on you and your recovery from ABI. This pamphlet explains how alcohol and drug use will affect you after an ABI and lists resources for getting help.
Anger is a natural emotion. People with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) sometimes have problems with anger. It is important to manage your anger, as it can hurt your relationships and make it hard for you to do things, like work or take part in social activities. Tips for managing anger are provided. A list of organizations in Nova Scotia where you can receive services and supports is given.
Attention (focusing on things around you) helps you to do your daily activities and tasks. It is an important part of thinking. Problems with attention are very common after an ABI. This pamphlet explains different ways you may experience attention problems, things that can make attention problems worse, and tips for coping wiht attention problems. A list of resources is also provided.
Fatigue (feeling very tired) is common after an ABI. You may feel fatigued by physical activity, cognitive (thinking) tasks, or just everyday activities. If you have problems with mood, speech, concentration, memory, vision, balance, or coordination, fatigue can make them worse. This pamphlet explains what causes fatigue after an ABI, different ways you may experience fatigue, things that can make fatigue worse, and tips for coping wiht fatigue. A list of resources is also provided.
Initiation is the ability to start an activity. Motivation is the desire to do an activity. Many people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) have trouble doing tasks or taking part in activities. This is often caused by a problem with initiation, not because you are not motivated. This pamphlet explains how problems with initiation may affect you and what you can do to help with initiation.
Changes in memory are common after an acquired brain injury (ABI). Memory involves many functions, such as taking in, storing, and retrieving information. This pamphlet explains how memory changes might affect you, other things that could affect your memory, and tips for managing your memory.
Signs of perseveration include repeating or continuing an action, word, or movement. Sometimes this can be the continuation of a feeling or idea. For example, you may get “stuck” brushing your teeth, or bring up the same thing over and over. Perseveration can often affect daily activities and relationships. This pamphlet explains what you can do to help with perseveration and strategies that can help. A list of resources is also included.
After an ABI, it is even more important to be physically active. Your health care team will work with you to plan a program that meets your needs and interests. This pamphlet gives tips for how to increase your physical activity, types of physical activity (e.g., aerobic exercise, strength training, balance training), and explains how to know your limits. Symptoms requiring you to stop exercising right away and seek medical attention are listed. Resources are also provided.