What is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. This damage can result from a traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident, or from a non-traumatic cause like a stroke, brain infection, or lack of oxygen. ABI is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions that can severely impact cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, leading to life-altering consequences for those affected.
Common Symptoms of Acquired Brain Injury
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can cause a diverse range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that vary based on the injury’s location, severity, and the individual. Common effects include:
Physical Symptoms: Sensory sensitivity, chronic pain, speech and swallowing difficulties, muscle stiffness, and issues with body temperature regulation.
Cognitive Symptoms: Problems with planning, decision-making, adapting to changes, and spatial awareness, along with feelings of confusion.
Emotional Symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, uncontrollable laughing or crying, frustration, anxiety, and repetitive behaviours.
Behavioural Symptoms: Social withdrawal, reduced empathy, dependency, and occasional aggression.
Other Symptoms: Hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances, loss of smell or taste, and decreased sexual drive.
At Community Care Experts, we provide high-quality, bespoke support for individuals with brain injuries, enabling them to live independently while focusing on personalised cognitive and physical rehabilitation. Our services are goal-oriented and regularly evaluated to ensure continuous progress.
The Long-Term Impact of ABI
The prognosis for individuals with ABI varies greatly, depending on the cause and severity of the injury, as well as the quality and timeliness of care received. Some people may experience temporary symptoms and eventually return to their normal lives, while others may need lifelong support. In more severe cases, the effects of ABI can significantly impact a person’s ability to live independently, requiring ongoing care and rehabilitation to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
The Importance of Personalised Care for ABI
Personalised Care for ABI at Community Care Experts
Each person’s experience with ABI is unique, meaning that a personalised approach to care is essential. At Community Care Experts, we tailor care plans to meet the individual’s specific needs and recovery goals, adapting to changes in their condition over time.
Founded by Farah Namini, Community Care Experts is led by specialist neuro-physiotherapist Nasrin Zadeh, and brings together over 60 years of experience in the care sector. This wealth of expertise allows us to offer bespoke support to individuals with brain injuries in London, Surrey, and the surrounding home counties. Our services are designed to enable individuals to live in their own homes while working on personalised cognitive and physical rehabilitation goals, ensuring that each client progresses at their own pace.
Our goal-centred services are regularly evaluated to ensure clients’ continuous progress. Each member of our team is fully vetted, trained, and equipped to provide specialist care, including Tracheostomy Care, Stoma Care, and PEG feeding, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones are in capable hands.
The Role of Rehabilitation in ABI Care
Rehabilitation is a key component of ABI recovery, helping individuals regain as much independence and function as possible. Physiotherapy is crucial for improving mobility and muscle strength, while occupational therapy assists in relearning essential daily tasks. Cognitive rehabilitation can help patients regain lost mental abilities and improve problem-solving and memory skills.
At Community Care Experts, Nasrin ("Naz"), our in-house Level 8 Physiotherapist and community rehabilitation lead, plays a vital role in guiding rehabilitation for ABI patients. With her expertise in brain injury rehabilitation and physical therapy, Naz ensures that each patient receives a tailored rehabilitation plan, focusing on improving mobility, coordination, and overall physical health. Additionally, we offer private physiotherapy services, allowing clients to access high-quality rehabilitation support in the comfort of their own homes. Our comprehensive approach is designed to meet the unique rehabilitation goals of each individual, providing both physical and cognitive support.
The Role of Support Networks in ABI Recovery
Emotional and Practical Support for ABI Patients
Living with ABI can be incredibly challenging, both for the person affected and their loved ones. Family members often play a significant role in providing practical and emotional support, but managing the demands of care can be overwhelming. That’s why having a strong support network, including both family and professional carers, is essential.
Our team at Community Care Experts works closely with clients and their families to provide not only medical support but also essential emotional and psychological support. This relationship-based approach promotes continuity and consistency, which is especially important for ABI patients who benefit from familiar faces and routines.
The Value of Professional Caregivers in ABI Recovery
Professional caregivers bring expertise and experience that can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with ABI. They are trained to assist with everything from personal care and daily activities to managing complex medical needs. Professional caregivers not only help ease the physical burden on family members but also provide vital emotional support, ensuring that both patients and families feel supported throughout the recovery process.
At Community Care Support, continuity and consistency in care delivery are top priorities. Their team of experienced carers ensures that each patient receives regular and familiar support, which is especially important for building trust and helping patients feel secure. This personalised, relationship-based care model is crucial for ABI patients, who often benefit from consistent routines and compassionate care.
The Benefits of Home Care for ABI Patients
For individuals recovering from an ABI, staying in a familiar home environment can make a significant difference in their recovery and overall well-being. Home care allows patients to maintain a sense of independence and comfort, while still receiving the high level of care they need. It offers the flexibility to adjust care plans as the patient’s condition changes, ensuring that the right level of support is always provided.
Community Care Experts offers flexible home care options to support ABI patients' specific needs, including live-in care, visiting care, and night support. Our night support includes both sleep-in and waking night care services, giving patients and their families peace of mind with around-the-clock assistance. Our comprehensive care plans and risk assessments are reviewed at least every three months, and any changes to a client’s needs are immediately implemented and communicated to their care team, ensuring that our services remain relevant and effective.
Comparing Home Care to Residential Facilities for ABI
While residential care facilities can provide a structured environment, they often lack the personalisation and flexibility that home care offers. In care homes, patients may not receive the one-on-one attention they need, which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, particularly for those with cognitive impairments. Home care, on the other hand, provides a tailored approach, ensuring that the care received is specific to the individual’s needs and preferences.
At Community Care Support, the team works closely with patients and their families to develop personalised care plans that focus on promoting independence and dignity. This personalised care, combined with regular rehabilitation services, can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with ABI.
Community Care Experts’ Specialist ABI Care Services
Community Care Experts has extensive experience in managing complex conditions such as ABI, with our team committed to delivering personalised, holistic care. Our Brain Injury Care Packages are supported by a designated team leader who collaborates closely with our in-house physiotherapist to ensure each client’s physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs are met. By integrating expert physiotherapy and compassionate caregiving into daily routines, we help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Additionally, our team provides Personalised Daily Routines and Activities, tailored to each individual’s needs, promoting emotional and psychological well-being. Whether it’s through structured rehabilitation exercises, assistance with daily tasks, or companionship, our carers are dedicated to improving clients' quality of life while respecting their independence and dignity.
Community Care Support’s Emphasis on Continuity and Person-Centred Care
At Community Care Support, care is delivered with a strong focus on continuity and consistency. By having a regular team of carers, patients benefit from a familiar routine and develop trusting relationships with their caregivers. This approach is especially beneficial for ABI patients, who may struggle with memory issues or cognitive changes and need the reassurance of seeing the same caregivers regularly.
Additionally, person-centred care is at the core of their ethos. Community Care Support believes in empowering their clients by promoting independence, respecting their choices, and ensuring that their dignity is always maintained. This compassionate, individualised approach is what sets them apart in delivering exceptional ABI care in Surrey.
Additional Care Services Offered by Community Care Support
Live-in Care, Visiting Care, and Night Support for ABI
Additional Care Services Offered by Community Care Experts
Our range of services includes:
Live-in and Visiting Care for flexible, one-on-one support.
24-hour Support, Sleep-in, and Waking Night Care to ensure clients feel secure and supported around the clock.
Specialist Support Services such as assistance with Tracheostomy Care, Stoma Care, and PEG feeding, ensuring continuity of care for clients with complex needs.
Community Care Experts provides a free introductory visit and care assessment, with care fees starting from £30.00 per hour. This commitment to accessible, high-quality care, combined with our emphasis on continuity and person-centred support, makes us a trusted provider of ABI care in Surrey and surrounding areas.
For further information, reach out to Community Care Experts at our office in Surbiton: Office 5, Claremont Business Centre, 6 Claremont Road, Surbiton, KT6 4QUTelephone: 02083990666 | Mobile: 07950463948
About our brain injury services
Our Brain Injury Service has been designed to meet both clients and MDT's (Multi-Disciplinary Team) needs facilitating clients' rehabilitation progress and goal meeting as well as evidence gathering for their medicolegal cases. For example:
Case Managers will be invited to a clients' team meeting (Care Workers) every three months and when needed, and community care experts will facilitate it and fund it.
Case Managers will be able to provide your clients' care team with bespoke and client-centred training and supervision facilitated and funded by Community Care Experts.
Team leader in all our care packages funded by community Care Experts
PPE funded by Community Care Experts
Electronic and paper-based service per Client's choice.
MDT, family and care team can access care plans, risk assessment and associated documents online 24/7.
Electronic daily note accessible to MDT, family and care team 24/7.
Regular MDT meetings are hosted and organised by Community Care Experts.
Access to our policy centre including COVID-19 Hub.
Recruitment, DBS, pre-employment check, training and payroll for individual preferring to work with private support workers.
Services in Summary
Our Home Care Support Services
Type of Service
Live-in care & Visiting care
24-hour support
Sleep-in & Waking night
Care Fee
Free Introductory Visit and Care Assessment
Care Fee From £30.00 per hour
Specialist Support Services
Tracheostomy care, stoma care, PEG feeding
Physical rehabilitation including daily exercises
Community engagement & emotional support
Assistance with medical and other health appointments
Personalised Daily Routines and Activities
Promotes cognitive and emotional well-being
Ensures clients maintain independence and comfort
Why Choose Community Care Experts – in Summary
High standards of care by CQC
Personalised approach to individual needs
Flexible care options and tailored care packages
Qualified and experienced staff who are DBS checked
Dedicated to continuous improvement in care
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