Brain injury case managers moving clients back to in-person rehabilitation

The vast majority of brain injury case managers are now moving their clients back to in-person rehabilitation in place of virtual rehabilitation as the sector learns to live with Covid. 

In a poll of brain injury case managers by Calvert Reconnections, 97% of respondents indicated their preference for in-person rehabilitation wherever possible.

Commenting on the findings, Bill Braithwaite QC, Trustee at the Lake District Calvert Trust and Head of Exchange Chambers said:

“I am delighted to see from our recent survey that almost all case managers are moving back to in-person rehabilitation – I’m sure that is one area where virtual is second best for much of the necessary work that goes into a good rehabilitation package.

“Rehab is based on the patient and family knowing the case manager and clinicians, liking them, and trusting them, and it is more difficult to establish that relationship over video, rather than sitting round with the family having a cup of tea. I very much hope that case managers will now start to look at the wider picture; we’ve seen so much coverage of the benefits of the outdoors, green and comforting landscapes, fresh air, and healthy activity, that the brain injury rehabilitation unit at Calvert Reconnections should be at the top of many case managers’ lists of desirable units, centred as it is round the well-established outdoor activity package already at the Lake District Calvert Trust.”

Said Heather Batey, Managing Director at reach and Trustee at the Lake District Calvert Trust:

“This is not a surprising outcome from the recent Reconnections poll.

“Interestingly however, virtual rehabilitation has established its place for milder TBI rehab over the pandemic – which is a progressive and effective approach for this milder client group. 

“The need for in person rehab – either at home or in a residential facility – for moderate and severe TBI remains key and I have seen over the last few months that Case Managers are increasingly reviewing their cases and looking at the current options and pathways available. Reconnections is a key example of innovation in this market at this time.”

Since opening in June 2021, Calvert Reconnections has delivered a tailored goal-focused and outcome-based approach to ABI rehabilitation. Individual client results have been quite remarkable in terms of physical improvement, personal sense of wellbeing and a return to independent living.  The synergies of bringing together proven clinical rehab approaches with a programme of outdoor activities clearly delivers really positive benefits for people with an ABI.

 In recent weeks, participants at Calvert Reconnections have explained how the service is transforming their lives.

Talking about the impact of his stay at Reconnections, Scott said:

 “I had a serious motorcycle accident involving my bike and a fire engine – and I lost.

 “I suffered a serious bleed on the brain, but I’m fighting back.

 “I didn’t expect to be able to take part in all the activities but I’ve proved myself wrong.

 “Calvert Reconnections has turned my life around.  I feel fitter both mentally and physically.  It’s helping me to live a better life.”

 Talking about his recovery, fellow participant Roger added:

 “After suffering a stroke following a hip replacement operation, I wanted to get better, quicker – and there’s nowhere better than Calvert Reconnections.

“The team at Reconnections is like a whole new family. In the darkest deepest times, you see all the shining stars.

“I’ve already learnt how to walk again.   Now it’s just a matter of getting fit.”

 Calvert Reconnections actively seeks to incorporate a wide range of outdoor activities into each participant’s rehabilitation programme. This may range from reflective activities such as fishing, bird watching or a nature walk to higher adventure activities such as horse riding, canoeing, rock-climbing and abseiling – all closely assessed and graded to a person’s interests and functional abilities. Importantly, participants are involved in every aspect of the activities they undertake. They complete meaningful tasks, from concept to completion, in a real-world setting.

 Claire Appleton, Head of Service at Calvert Reconnections said:

 “The focus on outdoor activities as part of our therapeutic model makes Calvert Reconnections completely unique in the UK. Our service is transforming lives.”

Calvert Reconnections is part of the Lake District Calvert Trust, a charity with 45 years’ experience, delivering outdoor experiences for people with disabilities.

The centre is currently taking referrals. For further information please go to www.calvertreconnections.org.uk