A brain injury can quickly change the course of a life after an accident. Some victims may eventually recover and resume their normal lives. Other victims and their families may have to face changes in lifestyles permanently. No matter the prognosis, no victims should ever have to go without emotional support, love, and care.
Maison Law wants to help Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) victims earn everything they need to pay their medical bills and provide for their futures. We also want to make sure victims know about every resource available to them. There are also some amazing organizations in the U.S. and in California that local victims can turn to when they need support for the many challenges a brain injury can cause.
Brain Injury Association of America
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is a powerful ally for patients and their families. They support victims across the country. They help victims find the very best brain injury doctors and surgeons and the highest-scoring care facilities in California.
The BIAA assists members in participating in important studies that can further the treatment and care for TBI victims. They advocate for victims with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
The organization has a California page for local victims and it offers important information and support for their caregivers.
On its website, the BIAA is very clear about its mission:
“As the voice of brain injury, we improve the quality of life of people affected by brain injury across their lifespan through advancing prevention, awareness, research, treatment, education, and advocacy.”
The California Association for Traumatic Brain Injury (CATBI)
This is another site with a lot of localized information for brain injury patients. The CATBI is a group of member organizations that really focus on helping injured victims gain an independent life.
Their members are all over the state with locations providing services like
- Psychosocial Screening
- Transitional/Reintegration Services
- OT- Occupational Therapy
- PT- Physical Therapy
- Support Groups & Caregiver Counseling
- Veteran Services
- Housing Services
The JODI House
There are dedicated programs and facilities across California. One such place with an amazing staff is the Jodi House serving Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Ventura County. The incredible resource doesn’t turn away any patients simply because they can’t afford care.
This is the Jodi House services can be summed up this way:
“Jodi House’s Family and Caregiver Support Program provides a lifeline of information and referrals regarding services including continued education, vocational training and support groups, as well as support to family, friends, caregivers, and brain injury survivors who are not involved in our day programs.”
The center offers day programs for in-person support. They also provide online programs. Luckily there are critical care facilities just like this one in every part of California.
Resources for Independence Central Valley (RICV)
Another powerful network of support supports victims across the Central Valley. The Resources for Independence Central Valley.
The RICV embodies this important goal:
“Empowering independence and improving lives by providing services and programs to residents of Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings and Tulare Counties.”
The RICV program Heads UP! program is a constant friend for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury.
They help patients with things like:
- Community Reintegration
- Peer Support Groups
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social Security Administration Assistance
- Veterans Administration Assistance
- Mental Health Care
- Health Care
Parent Training for Those with Children with Brain Injuries
Parent Centers across California can help those with children dealing with Traumatic Brain Injuries. California’s Center for Parent Information and Resources provides a page of information on these helpful facilities across the state.
It’s a way Parents helping children with disabilities can find support and services designed to make life easier for victims and their loved ones.
Organizations like TASK help parents in the Los Angeles County area find the emotional support, information, and direction they require. When needed, TASK refers parents to other programs that can make a huge difference in life for brain injury patients.
Other Important Resources for Brain Injury Patients
- California’s Department of Rehabilitation – Helping brain injury patients find careers they can manage. This gives patients a chance to support themselves and their families.
- Disabled American Veterans Department (DAV) of California — Critical help for veterans who are dealing with brain injuries and all of the other challenges they may face as they return to civilian life.
- Disability Rights California (DRC) – A powerful advocate for those dealing with debilitating brain trauma. This is the place to get help with financial support and healthcare. They assist patients in finding accessible housing. The DRC also fiercely protects the disabled from abuse and neglect.
