The past fifteen years have seen many
advancements in the field of neurorehabilitation,
cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology.
Keeping up with these advancements is a constant
challenge that we are meeting through refinement of
our comprehensive model of service. This past year
we have updated and improved staff training. All
CHIRS staff have access to a series of workshops
related to brain and behaviour relationships, fostering
working relationships with clients and families, first
aid, crisis response and prevention and a variety of
other topics. The challenges of living with the effects
of acquired brain injury are many. It can be a
daunting task to foster independence while ensuring
a supported and safe living environment.
At CHIRS staff are provided with the training and
supervision needed to collaborate with clients and
their families to create a lifestyle that is both
productive and satisfying. At the core of our model of
service delivery are the integration of information
related to cognitive abilities and disabilities, personal
goals and available community supports. A team of
professionals, including neuropsychologists, a
neuropsychiatrist, and social workers, provides
regular supervision to assist staff in understanding
the needs and potentials and emotional responses of
program participants. Clients are supported in
developing a healthy awareness of strengths and
needs. Armed with this knowledge, they are able to
fully collaborate in the development of strategies that
can be used to address their own life goals.
Some major points that are emphasized in our model
of service include the development of daily routines.
Routines foster independence by allowing persons
with memory and organization difficulties to
independently complete activities of daily living with a
minimum of external intervention. Every attempt is
made to encourage the development of cognitive
compensation strategies that both promote
independence and feelings of accomplishment and
self worth. As we continue to refine our model of
service, we strive to provide the maximum possible
amount of participation in the community through
employment, volunteering and recreational
opportunities.
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