What is acquired brain injury? Acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain which occurs after birth as a result of a traumatic or nontraumatic event. Causes include assaults, motor vehicle accidents, falls, infections, and asphyxia. ABI is not related to congenital disorders, developmental disabilities, or progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s. ABI can have short-term, prolonged, and permanent impacts on an individual’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural, or physical functioning, which can impact employment, education, and relationships.
Who are we? The Central Acquired Brain Injury Collaborative (CABIC) is a working group made up of publicly funded ABI services and hospitals in the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Members include representatives from March of Dimes Canada, York Simcoe Brain Injury Services, York Central Hospital, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Central CCAC, Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS), and COTA Health.
l Close to half a million Ontarians are currently living with acquired brain injury. Over 25,000 new cases are added every year. l In the Central LHIN alone, there have been nearly 10,000 documented cases of brain injury over the past ten years. l Brain injury is more prevalent than breast cancer, spinal cord injury, and HIV/AIDS combined. l According to recent studies, 53% of homeless people in Toronto and 44% of the prison population in Ontario have a history of brain injury. l Highly specialized services, like those provided by CABIC member organizations, are needed to increase service capacity and expertise to serve the needs of those whose lives are affected by brain injury.
What are we doing to help? CABIC members are working together to raise the profile of ABI in the Central LHIN. We build connections with other health and community organizations to share what we know so that we can help improve services for acquired brain injury survivors and their caregivers. Together, we are helping to create a plan for the future of ABI services within the Central LHIN.
How can you reach us? If you would like to tell us your ideas or if you need help finding appropriate services or more information, please contact our System Navigator:
416-240-0613 ext. 755 navigator@chirs.com
CABIC members
Central CCAC
COTA Health
March of Dimes Canada
l Dedicated Case Manager and caseload for adults with ABI residing in the Central LHIN geography
l Adult Day Services offers supportive and creative group environments for people to engage in meaningful activities, explore strengths, and develop new skills.
l Supportive housing l Community outreach, life skills, and retreats l Peer support groups and aphasia programs
l ABI-trained Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Speech Language Therapist provide active Rehabilitation Program, including Cognitive Retraining l In-home assessment and coordination of ABI therapies as well as assessment for general CCAC services, including nursing, social work, and dietician l Case management, assessment, and completion of applications for adult day programs, short-stay respite, and long-stay in Long Term Care Homes
1-888-470-2222 www.ccac-ont.ca
Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) A fully accredited program offering a wide variety of individualized services to adults with ABI who have diverse and complex needs l Community Support Services provides a range of options, including case management, outreach, home and community support, employment and volunteer work alternatives, functional, behavioural, and neuropsychological assessments, therapeutic and psycho-educational workshops, substance use counselling, and caregiver and family support groups. l CHIRS residential services, located in North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough, provide staff-supported long-term living options in collaboration with clients, families, and clinical consultants. l Specialized clinical groups include Living Well With a Brain Injury, Brain Injury and Substance Use, cTech Group, Women’s and Men’s Groups, and Social Skills.
l Case Management provides support services to clients in Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, and downtown Toronto. l COTA Health’s supportive housing program provides rent-geared-to-income accommodation and supports for up to 16 residents.
416-785-9230 www.cotahealth.ca
905-773-7758 www.marchofdimes.ca
Southlake Regional Health Centre l Integrated Rehab and Neuro Unit (RNU) for inpatient stroke care and related neurological disorders l Short-stay rehab for mild-moderate ABI l Neuro Rehab team consists of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy available for consultation
905-895-4521 www.southlakeregional.org
York Simcoe Brain Injury Services A partnership between York Central Hospital and March of Dimes Canada l Provides social, recreational, and skill-building opportunities l Adult Day Program components include group recreational activities, brain injury education, and workshops l Support, respite, and workshops to families and caregivers l Locations: Richmond Hill, Maple, and Newmarket l Case management and rehabilitation support l In-home clinical services for reintegration
l Adult Day Services includes a drop-in, Peer Mentor program, and specialized recreation and leisure programs across Toronto.
l Functional, neuropsychological/neuropsychiatric, and behavioural assessments
416-240-8000 www.chirs.com
905-773-3038 www.yorkcentral.on.ca
l Caregiver support