Accommodation to Target Families in Post-injury Period

Friday, 19th of November, 2010

Synapse (formerly The Brain Injury Association of Qld Inc) has initiated a “Client and Family Assisted Housing Project” (CFAHP) that aims to build an accommodation solution tailored to meet the needs of families in the early post-injury period of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Synapse’s project would deliver an accommodation alternative for those people navigating the challenges of ABI in its early stages. The multipurpose facility would cater for post-acute care, respite and emergency care needs during the Rehabilitation stage.

The Rehabilitation stage involves intensive therapy, in consultation with allied health professionals, aimed at helping the natural process of recovery and reducing the likelihood of long-term disability.  Synapse’s specialised accommodation and care would support families at this crucial time.

Once a person with an ABI or TBI becomes medically stable the next step is to leave hospital. Family members at this time may need to make important decisions when they feel least in control. Decisions to make are compounded by the need to stay focussed and well informed as they must keep track of all the necessary medical information, dates and times of assessments, medical terms, diagnosis, test results, milestones and other social information relevant during rehabilitation. With support from experienced staff this stage can be easier on families.

The CFAHP would serve up to 6 clients, people (aged between 18-50) with serious head injury trauma who require 24/7 support that are medically stable. It would serve families who needed to come to Brisbane/Sunshine Coast for services/support and provide for their particular needs rather than them having to stay in accommodation in the community.

Synapse’s proposed new accommodation project would provide much needed accommodation at a time when the emphasis is on the person regaining previous skills and learning strategies to overcome or compensate for ongoing problems (physical and cognitive deficits). Intensive rehabilitation such as this may continue for up to six to twelve months.

According to a member of Synapse’s Brisbane Carers Group (who took on the responsibility of caring for her 25 year old son after his motor vehicle accident) taking a loved one home after hospital was an, “enormous undertaking…you don’t know what to expect, are unprepared and have no idea how you’ll cope, you just take them home, love them and hope and pray”. This suggests that ABI may be life changing not only for the person concerned, but also for their family and extended networks. Historically such a change may put added strains on relationships and compound the grief for all involved.

The family home must also go through a period of adjustment if it is to allow for wheelchair access, house modification, the purchasing of equipment etc so a stay in a bridging accommodation setting, such as the one proposed by Synapse would give families the time they need to make the required modifications.

Jennifer Cullen, CEO of Synapse, believes the Client and Family Assisted Housing Project would offer a well needed solution for families, particularly those having to travel long distances to seek care for their loved-one.

“The Early Post-Injury period is an intense time for everyone concerned, if families can tap into some kind of interim accommodation that provides the right support after hospital care than this kind of bridging support can assist families during the Rehabilitation stage and encourage better outcomes for all."
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“This accommodation solution would provide families and clients with positive support and a link with people who understand, they would not need to go through it alone,” said Ms Cullen.  

To register your interest in Synapse's Client and Family Assisted Housing Project email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Interest from prospective investors is most welcome.

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Media inquries: Anna Petrou on +61 7 3137 7400 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .