Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

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October 21, 2020 by Angela

Your Generosity Ensures No One is Alone

rainbow heart inside heart outlineAs I reflect on Schurig Center’s 35 years, I am inspired and energized by the healing power of a caring community. I hope this note will also lift your spirits by reminding you of the good that you personally help make possible even in these toughest of times. Because of you, no one is alone.

“I’d be terrible.” That’s how John, a stroke survivor, described what life would be like for him without you.

John has severe aphasia, a paralyzed arm, and is unable to read and write. He also lives alone and is confined to his apartment during shelter-in-place. But, happily, John is able to stay connected and continue his recovery in Schurig Center’s speech group, computer class, and art therapy, which are now offered remotely and are powered by your generosity. In the words of his sister, Augusta, these services you help provide are “lifesaving” for John and a “huge relief” for his family.

Together, we’re helping more people.

Despite the pandemic, people are still getting brain injuries. We are still receiving new calls for help. And, the costs to provide services has not changed. Remote services have enabled people outside the Bay Area to attend our programs, and we’ve added a second survivor support group. Over 455 people this past year have been helped by our array of services. While we are serving more people than ever before, 70% of our clients live on a low income and rely on scholarships funded by community members, like you, to access care.

There is much need right now, and I know you are likely receiving many asks. But, if you are in a position to help, I hope you will donate to Schurig Center today as you make your holiday charitable gifts and give as generously as you can.

Your gift by December 31 helps ensure that your fellow community members living with a brain injury stay healthy, connected, and knowing they are not alone. Thank you!

With gratitude,
Patricia Gill, MS
Executive Director

Filed Under: Thank You Community Supporters, Uncategorized, Ways You Can Help Tagged With: art therapy, brain injury, caregiver, charity, concussion, covid response, do good, donate, fundraiser, give, help, holiday giving, Marin, rehabilitation, San Francisco Bay Area, speech therapy, stroke, survivor

March 6, 2019 by Angela

New Class! Concussion Education Clinic for Survivors and Their Families

Wednesday, March 27, 2019
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

This introductory class is designed to help survivors and their families begin to learn and understand the effects of a concussion and how to navigate the recovery process. Topics include: Risk factors; changes in cognitive and psychological functioning; anticipated path of recovery; and, locally available resources and programs.

Open to adults age 18 and older who have sustained a recent concussion (less than 6 months) and their family members, and who have completed the initial medical evaluation with their healthcare provide and who now present as medically stable.

Exclusionary Criteria: Any adult with a recent or acute change of condition (sudden headaches, nausea, seizures, dizziness or decreased balance or vestibular problems that require immediate attention).

Photo of Dr. Jim Wilson

Facilitator

Dr. Jim Wilson, PhD, a licensed neuropsychologist specializing in concussion and brain injury for almost 30 years.

Cost

$25 per person

Registration Required

Space is limited. Participants must register to attend. For more information and current class availability, please contact our Resource & Intake Specialist by phone at (415) 461-6771 ext 100 or by email resources@schurigcenter.org.

Filed Under: Concussion, For Family & Caregivers, For Survivors Tagged With: concussion education, family caregiver, Marin, post concussion, San Francisco Bay Area, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, Sonoma, survivor

December 6, 2018 by Angela

Gift Ideas for Brain Injury Survivors

Shop for Schurig + Help People Thrive After Brain Injury

Photo of hands holding a wrapped giftHonor a loved who is living with the effects of a brain injury with a gift that gives back. Schurig Center is pleased to offer a selection of unique and handmade items in our online Gift Shop. The best part is you’ll also be doing good! All proceeds help fund the array of supportive services offered at Schurig Center, which have been helping to improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their families since 1985.

Here’s some additional gift ideas that might help improve quality of life for your friend or loved one who is living with a brain injury, concussion, or stroke.

  1. Voice memo recorder – A helpful, auditory version of a self-stick note! This easy-to-use, hand-held gadget can be used to record messages to oneself throughout the day. Recorders are great for people who are unable to write due to aphasia or motor problems. They’re also helpful in capturing “on-the-fly” thoughts or to-do items that can be listened to later and transferred to a calendar, planner or to-do list.
  2. Photo of calendar book with vase of flowersJournal or planner – Journals and planners are wonderful gifts to help keep a person organized and on-track with their “to-do” lists. For many survivors, they are an essential tool in managing day-to-day activities, like paying bills and attending appointments. Journals are also meaningful gifts that can help a person express his/her thoughts and emotions as they process the changes in their life after a brain injury.
  3. Subscription to an app – There are many apps available that can help enrich a person’s life after a brain injury. Calm is an app for meditation, restful sleep, mindful movement, and music for focus, relaxation, and sleep. Audible is a great app for an avid reader that may be finding that reading is more difficult after a brain injury.
  4. Image of Scanmarker being held by a handScanmarker – A Scanmarker is hand-held digital highlighter and scanner pen that scans words on a paper and wirelessly uploads them to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Wherever you use your keyboard to type – Scanmarker instantly types it for you. A great gift for a person who is unable to write legibly or type due to aphasia or motor problems.
  5. Post-it notes – A bulk supply of self-stick notes in various sizes and colors (lighter colors are best) are a great stocking stuffer to help a survivor stay organized. Strategically placed around the house, the car, or in a planner, self-stick notes are useful “reminder” tools.
  6. Automatic shut-off appliances – Auto shut-off appliances, like irons or coffee brewers, can truly be a lifesaver for a survivor whose memory may not be as good as it once was.
  7. Photo of food on a plateSubscription to a meal service – Grocery shopping and preparing healthy food can be challenging after a brain injury because a person may not be able to go to the grocery store on their own. These meal services are extra helpful because food arrives portioned into the correct measurements with recipe options. Not having to worry about grocery shopping or measuring foods can really take off a lot of stress off eating healthy.
  8. Prepaid bus pass or Uber/Lyft gift card – Many survivors aren’t able to drive and must rely on public transportation or friends and family to get around town. The gift of transportation is a wonderful way to promote a feeling of independence.
  9. Gym or pool membership – Keeping active and getting ample physical exercise is good for everyone’s health, including brain injury survivors. But, a survivor may not be able to work after their injury and are unable to afford a gym or pool membership. Consider even paying for a trainer to work with the person one-on-one. An exercise, Qi Gong, or yoga DVD is also a great gift.
  10. Photo of headphonesNoise cancelling headphones – A person can often be triggered by noises after a brain injury. Noise cancelling headphones can help provide relaxation by drowning out loud, triggering noises or promote sleep for people who are very sensitive to noise while sleeping.
  11. Extra-large key chain – A great way to help someone keep track of keys. Some key chains even come with a beeper-finder feature.
  12. Pillow or weighted blanket – Headaches and difficulty sleeping are common side effects that can be experienced after a brain injury. Upgrading to a quality pillow can help reduce headaches. Buy a quality pillow or give a store gift card so the recipient can pick out a pillow of his/her preference. A weighted blanket is pretty much what it sounds like – a heavy blanket. When placed on the body, the weight feels comforting without being restrictive. It is believed to offer many benefits, including improved sleep and anxiety reduction. The weight of the blanket should be specific to the person using it. The general formula for picking a weight is 10% of the user’s body weight plus a pound or two.
  13. Adaptive eating and kitchen utensils – It can sometimes be hard to use traditional utensils to eat or prepare food after a brain injury. There are many different types of adaptive eating and kitchen utensils to help aid in the process, like adaptive silverware, a rocking knife, or snug straw.
  14. Image of oil diffuserEssential oil diffuser – Essential oils are natural aromatic plant compounds that are believed to offer a variety of benefits. Peppermint can help with headaches. Lavender is known for calming and relaxing properties. Frankincense can offer wonderful mood support; help improve focus and concentration, and may reduce irritability and restlessness.
  15. Eye mask or sun blocking curtains – A brain injury survivor may experience periods of insomnia. An eye mask or sun blocking curtains can help a person sleep well during the day.
  16. Jigsaw puzzle – Jigsaw puzzles can be a great therapeutic tool to help rebuild cognitive abilities. Start with a 25-piece puzzle and graduate to larger puzzles as a person’s abilities improve.
  17. Image of wall mounted hair blow dryer holderHands-free hair blow dryer holder – After a brain injury, many people don’t have the same coordination in their hands and arms that they once had. A wall-mounted, hands-free blow dryer holder can help make creating the perfect “hair-do” much easier.
  18. Shoe lace anchors – Some survivors may find it challenging to tie shoe laces. Lace anchors are a great stocking stuffer that will help pull laces tight without having to tie.
  19. Watch – After a brain injury, people often find that they lose track of time because their “internal clock” may be off. An easy-to-read watch, showing the time, day and date can be super helpful. Many watches even come with alarm settings and displays to program in phone numbers and appointments. An alarm feature can help survivors learn to take their medications independently or serve as a reminder to cue a person to their next task or appointment.
  20. Photo of hands making the shape of a heartGive a gift from the heart to help make everyday living easier – Daily living with the effects of a brain injury can be challenging. There are many meaningful and personal gifts you can offer that will help improve a person’s quality of life. Offer to help organize bills or help run errands. Pay a bill. Living with a brain injury can be expensive, especially if a person is unable to work after his/her injury. Offering to pay a bill is a great way to help ease financial burdens. Hire a cleaning service. Prepare and share a home cooked meal. Not sure how you can help? Just ask.

Filed Under: For Family & Caregivers, For Survivors Tagged With: concussion, Gift ideas, holidays, Marin, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, Sonoma, stroke, survivor, traumatic brain injury

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© 2023; Marin Brain Injury Network
dba Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery
1132 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939
415.461.6771 | info@schurigcenter.org

A 501(c)3 organization - Tax ID # 68-0105213