Lucas* suffered a cardiac arrest, which left him with a hypoxic brain injury. This gave him problems with his memory, word-finding skills and sequencing, affecting his ability to complete many daily living tasks and to access the community safely.

He also needed to improve his physical and cardiac fitness. Lucas* had a history of alcohol abuse and depression, but wanted to avoid this in future.

Lucas* and his mum planned to share a home, but he needed to be as self-sufficient as he could while she was at work. Lucas* spent some time in a Voyage Care brain injury rehabilitation home to help him develop his skills and independence.

Following on from his hospital cardio-programme, Lucas* and the neuro-physiotherapist devised a programme of appropriate, but interesting, daily exercises and community leisure activities. He needed to improve his stamina, manage his heart health, enhance his mobility and promote better overall fitness. With his mum Lucas* worked out where he could continue his favourite fitness activities once he’d moved.

The neuro-occupational therapist and neuro-speech and language therapist worked closely with Lucas* and the support staff with aim of reducing his dependence on others to complete everyday tasks. His progress with language gave him confidence in using the phone to keep in touch with his children, his mum, and when dealing with people in public. Structuring of ordinary tasks, use of consistent prompts and frequent practice grew his ability to complete these with confidence, and allowed more complex processes to be introduced.

Throughout his stay with Voyage Care, the Manager, his commissioners and his mum, were planning his transition back home. With Lucas’* motivation to succeed and the guidance of his therapists on the steps towards getting successful outcomes, they were able to deliver a seamless transition out. This included education for mum, exposure to new experiences supported by our staff, and a staged reduction in direct support.

When Lucas* left, he was completing activities of daily living with minimal or no support, and both he and mum were confident in coping in their new living situation.

Find out more about our acquired brain injury offerings here. If you would like to speak to our friendly enquiry team call us on 0800 0353 776 or email referrals@voyagecare.com.

*Names have been changed for confidentiality

• 
• acquired brain injury
• case study
• transition