What’s it Like to Live with a Brain Injury?

Zest

So many of us take our daily routine for granted. Jumping out of bed, checking messages, getting dressed, grabbing coffee, talking and walking without thinking. It’s the nature of life that we take it as a given.

Until we can’t.

For those living with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), the simple things in life often have to be re-learned. This month is Sidetember, which will challenge people to live a day in the life of someone with this condition. As part of that, we’d like to shine a light on what it means to find yourself in this situation.

What Causes an Acquired Brain Injury?

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. It may be caused by a lack of oxygen, an infection, a stroke, or an accident which causes injury to the brain.

The long-term effects of brain injury depend on the severity and can be difficult to predict. They differ from person to person, but symptoms may include:

  • Mental and physical fatigue
  • Slowing down in processing
  • Changes to behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning

How Many People Live with Acquired Brain Injuries?

According to Brain Injury Australia, over 700,000 Australians have a brain injury with daily “activity limitations”. As many as two out of every three of these people acquired their brain injury before the age of 25, with men making up three-quarters of the people affected.

What Kind of Support is Available?

People with an Acquired Brain Injury that severely impairs their daily activities are able to receive funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Zest Care is a government-approved Disability Services provider. We provide NDIS-funded Supports, including assistance with personal care and help accessing the community.

We are also proud to be a sponsor of the Pararoos, Australia’s Paralympic Football Team. All of the pararoos players have either Cerebral Palsy or an Acquired Brain Injury.

How Can You Help?

Sidetember is a great chance to take an active role in supporting people living with a brain injury, and help them to get back into the community.

Participants will fundraise for the Royal Rehab and Brain Injury Unit by completing brain injury challenges sent weekly via email and SMS. Sharing on social media will also help raise awareness.

Zest Care have been helping families across Australia for over 18 years. If you are looking for more information about NDIS-funded supports, contact us today.