After a brain injury…

…the Survivor (person with the injury) and Family begin the process of recovery, adjustment, and finding their “new normal.” No two brain injuries are alike therefore, every individual will find their own unique definition of what that means—and it will continue to unfold over months and years. As individuals and families move forward, there is a variety of supports available in the state of Oregon that can help an individual live well with a brain injury.

As a member of the “Family Team,” your role is significant in facilitating communication between everyone working with the Survivor. Understanding the importance of communicating honestly about symptoms and advocating for your family member is a crucial role for the healing process. This page contains links and topics that may help you get the answers you need. But don’t stop there. The entire website is geared to different aspects of brain injury – Take a look around.

Resource Links:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• BIAOR Help Center
• Brain Injury 101
• Birth Injury Guide
• Brain and Spinal Cord
• Brain Injury – General Info
• Brain Injury Resource Center
• Brainline
• Caregivers Take Better Care of Themselves
• Caregiver Action Network
• Centers for Independent Living.pdf
• Cerebral Palsy Group 
• Columbia Care
• Facts about TBI (CDC).pdf
• Find an Expert
• Guardian Concervatorship.pdf
• Head Injuries and Children
• Injury Prevention and Control (CDC)
• Lane County Prevention
• NAMI – Oregon
• State & National Resources
• Network of Care
• Oregon Center for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs
• SAVE.org
• Stroke Resources
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Veteran’s Services

Guides for Family & Caregiving

Brain injury is a life-altering event which affects virtually every area of a person’s life — including his or her relationship with family members and others close to him or her. Caring for another can be very stressful, especially for their own loved ones. Below are Caregiver links and pdf documents to help:

• Brain Injury 101
• BrainLine.org
• Caregivers Take Better Care of Themselves
• Caregiver Action Network
• Facts About Concussion and Brain Injury Brochure (.pdf)
• Understanding Brain Injury: Guide for the Family (.pdf)
• Understanding Brain Injury: in Spanish (.pdf)

What is a Center for Independent Living?

They are organizations run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. The mission of each CIL is to help people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in communities that understand and value their contributions. CIL services move people away from dependence and toward independence. Provided Services are:

• Information & Referral
• Advocacy
• Independent Living Skills Development
• Peer counseling
• Other services provided based on individual needs

Suicide and Depression

After sustaining a Brain Injury, Suicide and Depression can be significant problems and are normal. If you or someone you love is having problems please contact someone for help. National Crisis number at 1.800.273.8255. Additional Contacts:

• SAVE.org
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Columbia Care, Gary McConahay, PhD 541-858-8170
• Lane County Prevention 541-682-4160
• NAMI – Oregon 503-230-8009 & 800-230-2751
• Oregon Partnership 800-282-7035
• Southern Oregon Adolescent Study & Treatment Center 541-476-3302

Delayed Justice can be Denied Justice

In the middle of a recovery from a brain injury one of the last things a patient or that patient’s family want to think about is following through with a legal action against any potentially responsible party. As a result, many victims of traumatic brain injuries will delay beginning the legal process against the responsible party. This can be a tragic mistake.

In Oregon, as in all states, there are certain time frames within which a legal action must be brought against a responsible third party. Typically that time period is two years from the date that the injury occurred. This general two year limitation for personal injury is subject to some exceptions; however, relying on the exceptions is very dangerous. Sometimes, however, notice to the responsible party can be required within six months of the date of the injury. Some of the most difficult conversations I have had are those where I have informed the injured person that they have waited too long. Don’t let this happen to you and your loved ones. Please contact BIAOR for referrals to attorneys who know and understand TBI.  800-544-5243, info@biaoregon.org

Mentoring Partnership Program

The benefits of peer support for families facing medical crises with TBI has been implemented by Mount Sinai. This mentoring program provides assistance to develop similar programs in your area. In a Mentoring Partnership Program, individuals with TBI or family members who are veterans of the experience of TBI (i.e., mentors) are trained and then matched with individuals with TBI or their family members who are New. These Mentors provide information and counsel, largely by phone. Furthermore, the comprehensive toolkit, How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Elements of Effective Practice™ provides tools, templates and advice for implementing and adhering to the rigorous guidelines that will help to ensure quality mentoring. Downloadable pdfs:
Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™
Checklist for Mentoring Programs
Mentoring Toolkit