Brain injury affects countless individuals all over the world. It can come on suddenly as a result of trauma, or take years to manifest; both leaving physical, cognitive, and emotional scars that can be difficult to overcome.
However, many studies have shown rehabilitation to those living with either a traumatic or acquired brain injury can help to reclaim lives.
The Independent Neurorehabilitation Providers Alliance and our members have the common goal of ensuring the delivery of excellent care in neurorahbilitation.
Understanding brain injury and neurorehabilitation
There are different forms of brain injury as mentioned; acquired and traumatic.
An ABI can be the result of a disease or disorder affecting the brain since birth or following a stroke. TBI’s can be the result of head injuries and other traumatic events.
Neurorehabilitation aims to aid the brain and the individual in working towards independence following a brain injury or another neurological condition.
The longer term effects of a brain injury can differ between individuals and also are dependent on the type of condition. Not only can brain injuries affect the lives of the individual themselves; they can also affect the lives of family and friends – particularly when it results in personality or behaviour changes; or even if loved ones become carers.
Choosing the correct rehabilitation
Rehabilitation – especially neurorehabilitation – should be outcome focussed, person-centred and delivered by specialists. The aim of rehabilitation is to enable people to live as normal life as possible.
The independent specialist health and social care providers within INPA, believe neurorehabilitation care should be about people’s individual goals and aspirations.
The right rehabilitation plan not only medical professionals such as doctors in neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry but also healthcare professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, music therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation instructors, as well as carers and personal assistants.
Everybody is different; which means rehabilitation methods have to be different. Many specialist health care providers believe a multi-stage approach to recovery works best; which include manual therapy, rehabilitation and exercise.
Types of rehabilitation
There are many different types of neurorehabilitation, which include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Neuropsychology
- Nursing
- Hydrotherapy
- Music therapy
The independent sector provides over half of all available beds for those in need of neurorehabilitation. INPA is made up of 18 UK providers of specialist health and social care, who provide rehabilitation for those living with an acquired or traumatic brain injury, as well as those living with long-term neurological conditions.
Varying types of rehabilitation are important within the sector; it is important to find a way to aid individuals in becoming more independent once again.
Working closely with our members, we can provide additional specialist services, have a collective voice and contribute debates on key subjects such as outcome measurements, fee structures and regulation.
Finding the right service
INPA members have many distinct services to provide, in multiple locations. It is important to find the right rehabilitation service for yourself, your loved one or someone you care for.
To help commissioners and others who use or need these services, we created a compact directory. Search for the type of service required, or via the location. Our member details are available for you to gain immediate information.
