This is the one book that every survivor of a brain injury and family should have. It is the most comprehensive, sensitive, insightful and thorough workbook available and is filled with hands on practical strategies aimed at helping the person with a brain injury navigate the complexities of daily life. By focusing on the cognitive changes that are so common after a traumatic brain injury, the author approaches each challenge with practical building blocks and strategies for continued rehabilitation at home and in the community. Her philosophy of problem solving and thinking about “how” to do something when a challenge is encountered is a continuous theme through all the chapters.
Details
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Item | LFSG |
ISBN# | 978-1-931117-61-6 |
Pages | 196 pages 8 ½ x 11 softcover plus CD or flashdrive with PDF files for forms and worksheets |
Year | 2011 |
About the Author
Introduction
1. The Other Dimension of Brain Injury Healing Strategies for Rebuilding Self Confidence
Suggestions for Promoting Emotional Healing
Grieving Process
2. Preventing Shutdown and Meltdowns Strategies for Managing Fatigue and Overload
Practical Suggestions
Pacing and Balancing
Managing Stress
Managing Overload and Preventing Meltdowns
Tool: Parenting Tips for School Vacations
3. Caps, Sunglasses, Ear Plugs Strategies for Coping with Sensory Hypersensitivities
General Coping Suggestions
Specific Coping Strategies
Visual Processing Problems
Tool: Brain Recharging Breaks
4. More than Writing it Down Strategies for Improving Memory
Suggestions for Improving Memory Registration
Suggestions for Improving Memory Recall
Tool: Medical History Form
Tool: Frequently Dialed Phone Numbers
Tool: Telephone Log
Tool: Getting Out the Door Checklist
Tool: Memory Jogger List for “To Do’s
Tool: Memory Tips and Strategies
5. A Prosthesis for Your Memory. Strategies for Setting Up Organizers
Suggestions for Setting up Organizers
Suggestions for Using a Planning Tool Effectively
Cell Phones and Electronic Organizers
6. Creating Shortcuts for Your Memory Strategies for Getting Organized and Staying That Way!
Three Basic Tips for Successful Organizing
General Organizing Strategies
Strategies for Organizing paperwork
Traveling
7. Turning A “Bad Brain Day” Into A “Good Brain Day Strategies for Improving Cognition
General Suggestions
Pacing and Breaks
Keep Challenging Yourself
Think Progress
Tool: How Are You SMART?
Tool: “The Power of Music
8. Start Small, Think Building Blocks Strategies for Reading and Writing, Tips for Using the Computer
Basic Reading Strategies
Basic Writing Strategies
Tips for Using the Computer
Safety Concerns
Strategies to Consider
9. Creating A Memory Friendly System Strategies for Paying the Bills and Processing the Mail
General Suggestions
Weekly System
Daily System
Tool: Master Bill List
10. Simplify, Get Organized, Start Early Strategies for Meal Planning, Shopping and Cooking
Meal Planning: Simplify as Much as Possible
Conquering Grocery Shopping!
Cooking: Start Early, Take It One Step at a Time
Helpful Tips
Tool: Meal Ideas
Tool: Master Grocery List
Tool: Sample Grocery Store Map
Tool: Grocery Store Map
11. Saving Your Energy Strategies for Shopping, Errands and Gift Giving
Helpful Suggestions
Gift Giving – Keeping It Simple
Tool: Memory Jogger List and Plan for Errands
12. Creating Space Strategies for Conquering Clutter
Tip # 1 Prevent as Much Clutter as You Can
Tip # 2 Try to Handle Things Only Once
Tip # 3 Create Zones
Tip # 4 Help Getting Started
Tip # 5 Deciding What to Keep and What to Let Go of. Ask Yourself
Tip # 6 Maintenance
Tool: Blueprint for Conquering Clutter
Tool: Recommended Documents to Keep
13. Starting Over.Starting Over Strategies for Social Situations
Safety First: Staying Out of Trouble
General Suggestions for Social Situations
Helpful Strategies: Set Yourself Up to Succeed
Practice Good Listening Skills
Phone Skills: Prepare for the Conversation
Tool: Conversation Evaluator, Speaker
Tool: Conversation Evaluator, Listener
Tool: Creative Problem Solving Example
Tool: Creative Problem Solving Worksheet
“Listen”
“The Four Agreements”
14. A Complex And Dangerous Task Strategies for Driving and Directions
Safe Driving Tips
Tool: Safe Driver Checklist
Tool: Winter Driving Tips
15. Yes, You Can! Suggestions for Rebuilding Skills and a Life after Brain Injury!
Managing your Stress
Exercise
Getting Involved in the Arts
Working with Music
Doing a PhotoVoice Project
Playing “Brain Games”
Other Possibilities
Volunteer
The Rehabilitation Process
Tool: Assets and Strengths
Tool: Star Qualities
Tool: Making Changes
“The Tao of Success"
16. PhotoVoice Project Guide
Introduction to PhotoVoice
Doing Your Own PhotoVoice Project
A PhotoVoice Path
Getting Started
PhotoVoice Tips
Photo-Taking Questions
Photo-Taking Tips
PhotoVoice Ethics: Safety and Respect
Photo Discussion Questions
Building on Your Project
Exhibit Options
Photo Consent Form 1
Photo Consent Form 2
17. Tool Chest
Inventory of Tool Templates
CD of Tool Templates (inside back cover)
What Brain Injury Survivors Want You to Know
Suggestions for Improving Memory Registration
Establish routines for daily tasks.
For example, your routine for getting up each and every morning might be:
Wake up
Take a.m. pills
Shower
Brush teeth, shave
Get dressed
Comb hair
Make bed
Prepare and eat breakfast
Check planner/calendar
Repeating the steps in the same order or sequence every morning will help the steps become more and more automatic and easier to remember. It may be helpful to make a list of your steps and post it in your bedroom.
Make notes on the spot.
Use a pocket recorder or the message feature on your cell phone/electronic organizer when it is not convenient to write things down. For example, make a note where you parked your car or to remember to pick something up at the grocery store on your way home.
Keep track of medications.
Use pillboxes that can be set up for the day or the week, whatever works best for you. Medication reminders Use an alarm on your watch/cell phone/electronic organizer to help you remember when to take your medications.
Appointment reminders
Use an alarm on your watch/cell phone/electronic organizer for appointment reminders. Consider travel time and set the alarm for the time you need to leave in order to arrive at the appointment on time.
Link a new activity with an established routine.
For example, take morning medications when you brush your teeth. Check your planner when you have your morning coffee.
Talk to yourself (quietly) as you do things.
This practice can help your language skills as well as your memory recall.