Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

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October 8, 2024 by Angela

Inside/Out: Unmasking the Inner Journey of Brain Injury Survivors

The Karen G. Schurig Art Studio is pleased to present The Inside/Out Project

Brain injury is often referred to as an “invisible disability.” On the outside, a person with brain injury may “look fine” to others. But, in reality, the person affected by brain injury may be experiencing a range of cognitive, physical, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Through the creation of hand painted masks, The Inside/Out Project offers brain injury survivors the opportunity to explore and express how they feel others see them on the outside and how they see themselves on the inside. Below is a video featuring masks created by survivors for this project.

Building understanding with a person living with an invisible disability, like a brain injury, requires patience, empathy, and active listening. It’s important to recognize that their challenges may not always be visible, so offering support without making assumptions is key. Open communication and creating a safe space for them to express their needs can foster deeper connection and trust.

The Inside/Out Project Mask Slideshow

YouTube video

Donate Today!

Your generosity powers life-enhancing programs at Schurig Center, like Art Therapy, that help people thrive after brain injury. Thank you!

Filed Under: A Day at the Center, Art & Music, Art Shows, Blog, For Survivors, Therapeutic Art, Uncategorized Tagged With: art therapy, brain injury, concussion, recovery, stroke, tbi

September 26, 2018 by Angela

Strategies for Continued Improvement

Improve a little each day quoteGoing home after a long stay in the hospital can be exciting. But it is important to note, recovery may not be complete when inpatient rehabilitation concludes.

You will have learned important strategies during inpatient rehabilitation that will help make the transition from institution to the community safe and successful. It is very important that these techniques be used consistently and reinforced regularly.

And although exciting, leaving the hospital can be challenging for a number of reasons. One of the less obvious reasons is the fact that often a survivor of brain injury feels that he will “be fine once I am home and in my own space.” The exact opposite may be the case. In a less familiar, more structured environment (like a hospital), individuals tend to be more attentive and aware of their surroundings. When a therapist or doctor is observing you, you tend to be focused on the approaches and techniques they taught you. The presence of a nurse, physician or therapist provides “cueing” even if nothing is said.

If the situation at home lacks structure and supervision or does not encourage carryover of the strategies taught during inpatient rehabilitation, there may be a slip back in function and possibly even safety issues.

Once an individual gets home after being hospitalized for a long period, the desire to continue therapy may diminish. Encouraging continued rehabilitative efforts may involve some cheerleading, but it is important that the process continue.

Recommended strategies for optimal performance and continued improvement after leaving the hospital:

Staying consistent with compensatory strategies

You or your loved one will have learned a number of compensatory strategies while in rehabilitation that need to be consistently maintained after leaving the hospital. This may include keeping a set schedule from which the survivor does not waiver. He may also need checklists to complete the morning routine or organizers to plan daily activities and schedule appointments. And it’s crucial that he avoids situations (typically identified during rehabilitation) that trigger undesirable reactions or behaviors. These can include places that are noisy, bright, crowded, hot or cold—or avoiding complex, unfamiliar or new tasks at times when the brain injured person is tired, hungry, hot or cold.

Rest

Regular rest breaks or naps should be a scheduled part of her day. She won’t need excessive sleep, but it’s important to make sure she has scheduled downtime every day. Inadequate sleep or rest can lead to undesirable behavior and/or decreased cognitive function.

Nutrition

Eating a healthy, balanced diet, with adequate fluid intake, is crucial to helping the brain-injured person function at maximal level. Ask your doctor about sugar, caffeine and alcohol use.

Exercise

Regular exercise and activity is an important part of every day. Keeping active is not only good for the body, but the mind and brain. The extent and type of the exercise should be cleared by your physician.

Social contacts, especially with brain-injured peers

Being with people is important for everybody. And for the brain injured individual, it’s particularly important to connect with others who have been through a similar experience. There are support groups, day treatment programs and adaptive courses—many available through local community colleges—that can provide a brain-injured person a structured way to be with other people.

Preventing a secondary injury

In order to prevent a secondary injury, it is important to monitor the brain-injured person’s behavior. She may need to be supervised when engaging in new, unpracticed activities. And, as noted above, she will need to avoid situations that may cause undesired behavior or reactions. She will need to avoid recreational drug and alcohol use.

Accessing answers to questions as they come up

The facility that discharged you home would be the first place to contact when questions arise. If they are unable to answer your questions, ask where they can refer you. This may well be a community based brain injury organization or a state level association. A great deal of general information is available on line.


More helpful information…

Handbook photo

Brain Injury Information Handbook

This article is an excerpt from Schurig Center’s Brain Injury Information Handbook – a guide for patients and families from hospital to home. View and download your free copy of the handbook here for more helpful information to help you navigate the journey to recovery after a brain injury, concussion or stroke.

Resource Referral Assistance

You are not alone. We are here to help! Schurig Center is also pleased to offer referral resource assistance to help support you in your recovery process. Get more information about this service and access our online resource directory here.

Filed Under: For Family & Caregivers, For Survivors Tagged With: aneurysm, brain injury, caregiver, concussion, exercise, handbook, information, Marin, nutrition, recovery, resources, rest, San Francisco Bay Area, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, Sonoma, stroke, survivor, tumor

July 27, 2018 by Angela

Facebook Live Event! 10 Years After a Brain Aneurysm: What You Can Learn

Photo of Maria Ross

Friday, August 3, 2018
11:00 am PST
To watch, visit: facebook.com/redslice

Did you miss the live video feed? Not to worry!
You can watch the video at your leisure after the August 3 at the link above.

A Facebook account is required to view the video.

Don’t miss this special Facebook Live event hosted by Maria Ross, aneurysm survivor, author, speaker, and consultant. Maria will be sharing the 7 lessons she learned in her recovery from an aneurysm and how others can apply them to their own lives and businesses.

“It’s been 10 years since a brain aneurysm almost killed me. The recovery was tough, the road was long, but I was extremely blessed: I’ve adapted, my business have thrived, and my life is good. But I’m still learning every day! Many of you have wondered how the journey has evolved since I wrote Rebooting My Brain in 2012. Come hear the rest of the story, ask questions, share YOUR stories and learn seven lessons that you can apply to have a richer, easier, more fulfilling business + life.”

In honor of her 10 year anniversary and Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, Maria is also donating 25% of net sales of her book “Rebooting My Brain: How a Freak Aneurysm Reframed My Life” to Schurig Center in August and September.

Purchase your copy in print, Kindle or audiobook version here.

Filed Under: Aneurysm, Events, For Family & Caregivers, For Survivors, Rebuilding Life Skills Tagged With: aneurysm, lessons, Maria Ross, Marin, Rebooting My Brain, recovery, Red Slice, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

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  • Your Generosity Helps Turns Strokes of Paint Into Strokes of Healing
  • Inside/Out: Unmasking the Inner Journey of Brain Injury Survivors
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