F*** It, I Have a Brain Injury

In Part 1 of 3, Andy discusses how his participation in Book Club has helped him with reading after his TBI. Together with the hosts and SLP, specific reading strategies are offered along with some on-brand humor of three friends in the chronic phase of their recovery.

In this second part, Wendy talks about employment issues with support services (and the irony of the laws), Medicaid, SSDI and SSI paperwork requirements, Waiver transportation woes and ways to resolve conflict. Her thorough description highlights "the job of a good service coordinator." 

In this first of two episodes, Wendy Decker, describes her role as a long time Service Coordinator for the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program. She describes how NYS administers the Home and Community Based Support 1915 (c) Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Waiver program. The co-hosts invite Wendy to discuss the challenges and positive aspects of the waiver including the guiding principle of "freedom of choice." She also highlights the process of enrolling in the waiver program in New  York state, as well as recent changes resulting from newly enforced conflict of interest laws.  

In this episode, Melissa and the hosts talk with Shelly about how she sustained her initial injury and (then subsequent injuries) and challenges and strategies associated with losing your ability to drive and having to rely on transportation services. Listen for some strategies and a potential business idea for entrepreneurs out there!

More on the highs and lows of having Home Health Aides. In this episode Shelly describes characteristics and behaviors of excellent aides and some red flags to watch out for. She discusses her use of a Self-advocacy training video to orient and train new Home Health Aides and also tells her two worst aide stories. Heads up- one is X-rated.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Kim Verner discusses different types of guardianships, including representative payees and how caregivers can help adults with Acquired Brain Injury maintain independence in a supportive environment. 
*Note: This interview was recorded in Albany, NY, USA in April 2024.

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, the guys interview Elder Law and Disability Attorney, Kim Verner. She describes how to set up a Special Needs Trust and the important aspects of estate planning following Acquired Brain Injury.
*Note: This interview was recorded in Albany, NY in April 2024. 

In this episode, Jesse interviews Ken about his recent experience moving to a new home. They separate physical/mobility challenges associated with hemiparesis from cognitive challenges after ABI. Cognitive strategies include labeling drawers and cabinets and asking family to help organize. Physical accommodations include moving appliances and fixtures on the  strong side, using a rolling cutting board, installing a cut tub, using a rug over hardwood floors and having family help pack and unpack. And remember, even with more room around the bed it still may take a hockey game’s time to put on a fitted sheet.
“Anybody going through what I’m going through, it will work out, it just takes time”
-Ken

In this episode, Allison discusses overcoming shame and obstacles following her ABI. She talks about her experience with aphasia and acquiring and succeeding in a job. The group talks about fishing and making friends after brain injury. 

Ken and Jesse talk with Molly and share their tips on managing home health aids. The group shares attributes to look for in an aid who will help foster independence and how to spot a not-so-good one. They all share their worst aid stories- one stinks worse than the others.
*Episode transcript available.