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Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises for TBI Survivors Guide

Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises for TBI Survivors Guide

Key Takeaways• Cognitive rehabilitation harnesses neuroplasticity to rebuild memory, attention, and executive function.

• Home-based programs and physical therapy can be tailored to each survivor's needs.
• Speech therapy and emotional coping strategies are vital for holistic recovery.
• Virtual support groups and government funding help survivors and caregivers access resources.

– Brief overview of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its cognitive effects
– Importance of early, structured cognitive rehabilitation exercises for TBI survivors
– Preview of article sections and outcomes

Understanding Cognitive Rehabilitation for TBI Survivors

What Is Cognitive Rehabilitation?

When we talk about cognitive rehabilitation, we're really talking about a structured approach to rebuilding thinking skills after a traumatic brain injury. It's not a one-size-fits-all process, but rather a personalized journey that addresses each survivor's unique challenges.

"Cognitive rehabilitation isn't just about healing—it's about rebuilding connections and relearning how to navigate the world," explains Dr. Sarah Johnson, a neuropsychologist specializing in TBI recovery.

The core principles revolve around two main approaches: restorative and compensatory strategies. Restorative techniques aim to improve impaired functions through repetitive exercises that target specific cognitive skills. Think of it like strengthening a muscle through consistent training. Compensatory strategies, on the other hand, help survivors develop workarounds for persistent difficulties—like using a smartphone reminder app if memory remains challenging.

According to the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine's evidence-based guidelines, the most effective programs blend both approaches, with exercises specifically tailored to each person's goals and abilities.

Goals and Benefits of Cognitive Rehab After TBI

The primary goal of cognitive rehabilitation is to improve daily living skills and foster independence. For many survivors, this means regaining the ability to manage medications, prepare meals, handle finances, or return to work or school.

"We're not just treating cognitive symptoms in isolation," says occupational therapist Miguel Sanchez. "We're focused on real-world outcomes that enhance quality of life and emotional well-being."

Benefits extend far beyond cognition alone. Successful rehabilitation often leads to:

  • Increased confidence and self-efficacy
  • Reduced caregiver burden
  • Improved social interactions and relationships
  • Greater community participation
  • Enhanced emotional regulation

Many survivors report that structured cognitive exercises provide a sense of purpose and measurable progress during what can otherwise feel like an uncertain recovery journey.

Key Cognitive Domains Addressed

Cognitive rehabilitation typically targets several interconnected thinking skills affected by TBI:

Attention: This foundational skill involves focusing on relevant information while filtering out distractions. Rehabilitation might include exercises to improve sustained attention (staying focused over time), selective attention (focusing despite distractions), and divided attention (managing multiple tasks).

Memory: Both short-term and long-term memory systems are addressed through specific techniques. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) explains that "neuroplastic mechanisms like synaptic reorganization support memory recovery, especially when training occurs during critical post-injury windows."

Executive Function: These higher-level skills involve planning, organization, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Exercises might include structured problem-solving activities, organizational systems, and goal-setting practice.

Processing Speed: Many survivors experience slowed thinking after TBI. Gradual, timed activities help rebuild neural pathways for faster information processing.

Neuroplasticity Exercises for TBI Recovery

How Neuroplasticity Supports Brain Healing in TBI

Neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—is the foundation of recovery after traumatic brain injury. This process allows intact brain regions to potentially take over functions from damaged areas.

"The brain's plasticity is truly remarkable," notes Dr. Robert Chen, neurologist and TBI researcher. "Even years after injury, we see evidence that targeted exercises can stimulate new neural pathways."

The mechanisms behind this healing involve synaptic reorganization—essentially, the brain creating new connections between neurons. This happens through processes like:

  • Axonal sprouting: Healthy neurons grow new projections to connect with other neurons
  • Dendritic branching: Neurons develop more receiving structures to form new connections
  • Synaptic strengthening: Existing connections become stronger with repeated use

The timeline of neuroplastic changes varies by individual, but research indicates several important phases. According to NINDS resources, the most dramatic neuroplastic changes often occur in the first 6-12 months post-injury, though meaningful reorganization can continue for years.

Best Neuroplasticity Exercises for Memory Improvement

Memory challenges are among the most common and frustrating symptoms after TBI. Fortunately, specific neuroplasticity exercises can help rebuild these crucial networks:

Spaced Retrieval Drills

This evidence-based technique involves recalling information over increasingly longer intervals. For example:

  1. Learn a new phone number
  2. Recall it after 30 seconds
  3. Then after 2 minutes
  4. Then after 5 minutes
  5. Continue extending the time between recall attempts

"Spaced retrieval works because it strengthens the neural pathways involved in both storing and accessing memories," explains neuropsychologist Dr. Lisa Tanaka. "It's particularly effective for TBI survivors because it builds in both success and gradual challenge."

Visual Imagery and Association Games

Creating vivid mental images and linking new information to existing knowledge leverages intact memory systems to support damaged ones.

Try this exercise recommended by BrainLine: To remember a person's name (let's say "Baker"), visualize that person holding a loaf of bread or wearing a baker's hat. The more unusual or emotionally engaging the image, the stronger the memory connection.

Incorporating Multisensory Stimulation

The brain processes information through multiple sensory channels simultaneously. After TBI, engaging multiple senses during cognitive exercises can help strengthen neural networks and improve learning.

Combining Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Tasks

A simple exercise might involve:

  1. Holding different textured objects (tactile)
  2. While listening to specific sounds or words (auditory)
  3. While looking at corresponding images (visual)
  4. Then recalling the associations

"Multisensory rehabilitation essentially gives the brain multiple 'hooks' to hang information on," says occupational therapist Rachel Wong. "If one sensory pathway is compromised, the others can help compensate."

Example Exercise Routines

A practical multisensory memory routine might include:

  • Morning: Sort colored blocks by shape while naming each (visual-tactile-verbal)
  • Afternoon: Follow a simple recipe, focusing on smells, textures, and written steps
  • Evening: Listen to a short podcast while drawing what you hear

How to Start Neuroplasticity Exercises at Home for TBI

Beginning neuroplasticity exercises doesn't require specialized equipment—just consistency and the right approach.

Simple Daily Routines

Start with 15-20 minute sessions, twice daily, focusing on one cognitive domain at a time. For example:

  • Morning: Attention exercises (like finding specific letters in a newspaper article)
  • Evening: Memory exercises (such as recalling details from the day)

"The key is consistency over intensity," advises TBI rehabilitation specialist Dr. James Wilson. "Five minutes daily is better than an hour once a week."

Tracking Progress and Adjusting Difficulty

Keep a simple log of exercises completed and performance. Note both objective measures (time, accuracy) and subjective experiences (fatigue, frustration). This information helps identify when to increase challenge.

The Mayo Clinic recommends following the "80% rule": When you can complete an exercise successfully about 80% of the time, it's time to make it slightly more difficult by adding elements, reducing time, or increasing complexity.

Home-Based TBI Rehabilitation Programs

Designing a Personalized Home-Based Rehab Routine

Creating an effective home program starts with identifying specific, meaningful goals. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes using the SMART framework—goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Instead of a vague goal like "improve memory," a SMART goal might be: "In four weeks, I will independently remember my morning medication routine 6 out of 7 days without reminders."

"Personalization is crucial," emphasizes occupational therapist Karina Diaz. "A 25-year-old athlete recovering from a sports concussion needs different activities than a 67-year-old recovering from a fall. Both the content and the schedule should reflect the individual's life and priorities."

Scheduling and Consistency Tips

Establishing a consistent routine helps minimize the cognitive load of decision-making. Consider these practical tips:

  • Schedule rehabilitation exercises at the same times each day
  • Start with shorter sessions (10-15 minutes) and gradually increase
  • Place visual reminders in frequently seen locations
  • Use smartphone alerts or timers
  • Pair exercises with existing habits (like after brushing teeth)
  • Build in rest periods to prevent cognitive fatigue

Tools and Resources for DIY Cognitive Rehab

The digital revolution has created unprecedented access to cognitive rehabilitation tools that can be used at home.

Recommended Apps, Workbooks, and Games

Several evidence-informed resources stand out for home-based cognitive rehab:

  • Apps: Constant Therapy, Lumosity, CogniFit, and Elevate offer progressive cognitive exercises
  • Workbooks: "Brainlash: Maximize Your Recovery from Mild Brain Injury" and "The Cognitive Rehabilitation Workbook"
  • Games: Chess, Sudoku, word search puzzles, and specialized card games like "Cognifit Playing Cards"

"Digital tools can provide the structure and immediate feedback that's so important for effective practice," notes speech-language pathologist Jasmine Park. "Many apps can also adjust difficulty based on performance, similar to what we do in clinical settings."

Adaptive Equipment and Safety Considerations

Physical limitations often accompany cognitive challenges after TBI. Consider these safety adaptations:

  • Non-slip mats for tabletop activities
  • Enlarged print or screen magnifiers
  • Voice-to-text software for written exercises
  • Adapted writing utensils for motor difficulties
  • Ergonomic seating to prevent fatigue

Always consult your healthcare provider about safety precautions specific to your situation, especially regarding fall prevention and activity tolerance.

Caregiver Involvement and Support

Family members and caregivers play a crucial role in home-based rehabilitation, but finding the right balance requires thoughtfulness.

Training Family Members in Exercise Facilitation

"Caregivers who understand the 'why' behind exercises tend to provide more effective support," explains neuropsychologist Dr. Michael Rivera. "Brief training can transform a family member from simply reminding about exercises to actually enhancing their effectiveness."

Key caregiver skills include:

  • Understanding basic principles of each exercise
  • Providing clear, concise instructions
  • Offering the right level of cueing (not too much, not too little)
  • Recognizing signs of fatigue or frustration
  • Documenting progress accurately

Balancing Encouragement with Independence

Finding the right balance between support and autonomy is critical for both rehabilitation progress and emotional well-being.

"The goal is to be a scaffold, not a crutch," says TBI support group facilitator Elena Carter. "Good caregivers know when to step in and when to step back."

Practical strategies include:

  • Starting activities together, then gradually reducing assistance
  • Using verbal cues before physical assistance
  • Celebrating independent attempts, even when imperfect
  • Creating a "help signal" the survivor can use when truly needed
  • Scheduling specific independent practice times

Physical Therapy Techniques for Traumatic Brain Injury

Role of Physical Therapy in Cognitive Recovery

The connection between physical movement and cognitive function represents one of the most exciting frontiers in TBI rehabilitation. Far from being separate domains, movement and thinking are deeply interconnected in the brain.

"We're seeing compelling evidence that targeted physical activities can enhance cognitive recovery," explains neuro-physical therapist Dr. Marcus Johnson. "Movement activates neural networks that overlap with those involved in attention, memory, and executive function."

The Mayo Clinic highlights how activities that challenge both physical and cognitive systems simultaneously—called dual-task training—can accelerate recovery across multiple domains.

Examples of Dual-Task Training

Effective dual-task exercises combine physical movements with cognitive challenges:

  • Walking while naming items in a category (animals, countries, etc.)
  • Catching and throwing a ball while counting backward
  • Following a stepping pattern while solving simple math problems
  • Maintaining balance on an uneven surface while sorting playing cards

"These activities reflect real-world demands more accurately than isolated cognitive or physical exercises," notes Dr. Johnson. "After all, we rarely use one system in isolation during daily life."

Balance and Coordination Exercises for TBI Survivors

Balance and coordination challenges are common after TBI, affecting both safety and cognitive resource allocation.

"When you're constantly worried about falling, it's difficult to allocate mental resources to other tasks," explains vestibular specialist Dr. Ana Patel. "Improving balance and coordination actually frees up cognitive capacity."

Heel-Toe Walking, Balance Board Drills

Start with these foundation exercises:

  1. Heel-to-toe walking: Place the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the opposite foot, creating a straight line as you walk forward.

  2. Balance board progressions:

    • Begin by standing on the board with support nearby
    • Progress to gentle weight shifts
    • Advance to maintaining balance while completing simple cognitive tasks
  3. Clock reaches: Standing safely near support, imagine standing in the center of a clock and reach one foot toward different "hours" as called out.

Progressions and Adaptations

Safety always comes first when practicing balance exercises. Follow these progression principles:

  • Move from supported to unsupported activities
  • Progress from stable to unstable surfaces
  • Advance from static positions to dynamic movements
  • Add cognitive challenges gradually
  • Increase duration before increasing difficulty

Gentle Physical Therapy Exercises After Severe TBI

After severe TBI, physical therapy often begins with fundamental movements that provide sensory input and prevent complications while respecting energy limitations.

Range-of-Motion and Posture Activities

Basic but essential exercises include:

  1. Passive and active-assisted range-of-motion: Gently moving joints through their full range to maintain flexibility and provide proprioceptive input.

  2. Positional awareness activities: Using verbal cues and mirrors to help survivors recognize and adjust their body position.

  3. Seated weight shifts: Simple side-to-side or forward-back movements while seated to activate core muscles and provide vestibular stimulation.

"Even these simple movements stimulate brain activity," notes physical therapist Sarah Rodriguez. "We're not just maintaining physical function—we're providing organized sensory input that the healing brain needs."

Monitoring Fatigue and Safety

Post-TBI fatigue can be profound and unpredictable. The BrainLine resource emphasizes monitoring these fatigue indicators:

  • Increased errors in simple tasks
  • Slowed response time
  • Irritability or emotional changes
  • Headache intensification
  • Visual changes or dizziness
  • Slurred speech

"The right amount of challenge causes temporary fatigue but leads to progress," explains Dr. Rodriguez. "Excessive fatigue that doesn't resolve with rest can actually set recovery back. We call this the 'therapeutic window'—finding that sweet spot of just enough challenge."

Speech Therapy for Brain Injury Survivors

Common Speech and Language Challenges Post-TBI

Communication difficulties after TBI can range from subtle word-finding problems to profound language impairments. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), several distinct patterns may emerge:

Aphasia involves difficulty understanding or producing language. A survivor might struggle to find words, comprehend complex sentences, or organize thoughts coherently.

Dysarthria affects the physical production of speech. The muscles used for speaking may be weak or uncoordinated, resulting in slurred or imprecise articulation.

Cognitive-linguistic deficits impact the thinking processes that support communication, such as attention, memory, and reasoning. A survivor might have trouble following conversations, staying on topic, or interpreting non-literal language like jokes or sarcasm.

"What makes TBI-related communication challenges unique is their variability," explains speech-language pathologist Dr. Jennifer Torres. "Someone might communicate perfectly in a quiet, one-on-one setting, but struggle significantly in noisy environments or group conversations."

Identifying Individual Therapy Targets

Speech therapy begins with comprehensive assessment to identify specific challenges. Common focus areas include:

  • Word retrieval and vocabulary access
  • Sentence formulation and grammar
  • Reading comprehension
  • Conversation management (turn-taking, topic maintenance)
  • Voice quality and speech clarity
  • Non-verbal communication (facial expressions, gestures)

"The most effective therapy targets skills that matter most in the survivor's daily life," notes Dr. Torres. "For a parent, that might mean focusing on communication with children. For a professional, it could involve workplace communication scenarios."

Effective Speech Therapy Exercises and Drills

Speech therapy for TBI survivors typically includes structured exercises that can be practiced both in therapy sessions and at home.

Word-Retrieval Practice, Naming Tasks, Conversation Scripts

  1. Word-retrieval hierarchies: These exercises provide varying levels of support for finding words. For example:

    • Complete the sentence: "You write with a ______."
    • Name an item from a description: "What do you use to write notes?"
    • Name items in categories: "Name five office supplies."
  2. Naming drills with semantic features: Practice naming objects while describing their characteristics:

    • What is it? (pen)
    • What category does it belong to? (writing instrument)
    • What is it used for? (writing)
    • What are its parts? (cap, ink cartridge, clip)
  3. Conversation scripts: Rehear

Conclusion

  • Recap of key strategies: neuroplasticity exercises, home-based programs, physical and speech therapy, emotional coping, support networks, and funding
  • Reinforce the importance of consistent cognitive rehabilitation exercises for TBI survivors
  • Call to Action (CTA): "Start implementing these exercises today—consult your rehabilitation team, join a local or virtual support group, and share your progress below!"
Inspirational StoriesTBI Survivor

Loss of Friends and Family Resulting from Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injuries

Twenty-three years ago, when Teah Beglau was sixteen, she suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. As is well known, many areas of life are disrupted from a brain injury. One area, however, that is often unknown by the public involves the social life of survivors after returning home from the hospital. All of her friendships were lost after she returned home from her own rehabilitation. Being a member of several brain injury support groups on Facebook has brought to her attention that it is one of the most common outcomes for a brain injury survivor.

Knowing this motivated her to produce a video to help stop this from happening. Her goal is for this video to be available to hospitals who can provide it to both friends and families of brain injury survivors before they return home from the hospital. It is to prepare the loved ones for the shocking outcomes and changes the brain injury survivor might have acquired. It gives an insight into things to help them adjust and handle the negativity that will come.

She has given us permission to share this video to the Villa Licci community in the hopes that it will spread this knowledge to anyone with a TBI survivor in their life. She strongly believes that if watched by others before the survivor begins to re-socialize as a different person it will be easier for loved ones to accept the “new” person. Friendships will continue and their life-long recovery will be less hurtful with the continued needed support.

Inspirational StoriesTBI Survivor

A brain injury is like a fingerprint, no two are alike

Kevin Pearce, former professional snowboarder, is an inspirational public speaker and co-founder of LoveYourBrain LLC. He is an advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle. Kevin catapulted onto the professional snowboarding stage in 2005 at age 18, rising above others in his division and quickly becoming the athlete to watch in the ever-evolving sport. In the 2009 Winter X Games, Kevin brought home the Silver Medal for Superpipe, making him a strong contender to win Gold in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. On December 31, 2009, while training for the Olympic trials in Park City, Utah, Kevin suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Although he was wearing a helmet at the time, the injury left Kevin in critical condition and in a medically induced coma that would change his life forever. Post-accident, Kevin has become a passionate advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle for all people.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

sunflowers
TBI Facts

TBI Facts

One of the issues TBI survivors face after the initial recovery phase is that many of their struggles are not visible upon first glance. Emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, short-term memory loss, cognitive delays, and more are not noticeable to the naked eye or the casual observer. Yet, it is often these hidden disabilities that cause the most pain and struggle for these survivors.

If someone has a broken leg and is using a wheelchair, or is blind and accompanied by a guide dog, it is readily apparent to other people that a person has different needs.  A business welcoming wheelchair users would have ramps and accessible doors, and people often show more patience when encountering someone on crutches who may be walking slower. But what happens when the disability isn’t visible, and only the actions that reflect that disability are seen?  And when those actions are not accepted with as much grace and patience as a physical struggle?

The reactions of other people can often cause more emotional distress to a survivor already coping with their new limitations or issues.  Oftentimes, all they need is a little bit of patience and a little bit of support.

One organization is striving towards making the invisible more visible, with a simple sunflower.  The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created by personnel at London’s Gatwick Airport who recognized that people with hidden disabilities may need a little extra support while traveling just like those with visible disabilities.

Since 2016, the use of a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers worn by those who discreetly want to share their needs has spread from London throughout the world.  This sunflower lanyard is a way to visually share that a little additional help, support, or time may be needed by the wearer to complete the expected tasks. Airports, rail lines, supermarkets, entertainment venues, and more have partnered with this organization to support their patrons and offer training to their employees so they can best serve their lanyard-wearing visitors.

For more information, please click the button below.

 

sunflowers
TBI Survivor

Sunflowers and Hidden Disabilities

One of the issues TBI survivors face after the initial recovery phase is that many of their struggles are not visible upon first glance. Emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, short-term memory loss, cognitive delays, and more are not noticeable to the naked eye or the casual observer. Yet, it is often these hidden disabilities that cause the most pain and struggle for these survivors.

If someone has a broken leg and is using a wheelchair, or is blind and accompanied by a guide dog, it is readily apparent to other people that a person has different needs.  A business welcoming wheelchair users would have ramps and accessible doors, and people often show more patience when encountering someone on crutches who may be walking slower. But what happens when the disability isn’t visible, and only the actions that reflect that disability are seen?  And when those actions are not accepted with as much grace and patience as a physical struggle?

The reactions of other people can often cause more emotional distress to a survivor already coping with their new limitations or issues.  Oftentimes, all they need is a little bit of patience and a little bit of support.

One organization is striving towards making the invisible more visible, with a simple sunflower.  The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created by personnel at London’s Gatwick Airport who recognized that people with hidden disabilities may need a little extra support while traveling just like those with visible disabilities.

Since 2016, the use of a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers worn by those who discreetly want to share their needs has spread from London throughout the world.  This sunflower lanyard is a way to visually share that a little additional help, support, or time may be needed by the wearer to complete the expected tasks. Airports, rail lines, supermarkets, entertainment venues, and more have partnered with this organization to support their patrons and offer training to their employees so they can best serve their lanyard-wearing visitors.

For more information, please click the button below.

 

TBI chronic condition
TBI Survivor

Rethinking Brain Injury – Chronic vs Acute Condition

In March, the Brian Injury Association of America (BIAA) submitted a position paper calling for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to designate a brain injury as a chronic condition.  In addition, it calls for a brain injury to be recognized, treated, and covered as chronic.  This would be a huge benefit to the survivors Villa Licci serves and could impact the services and programs we are striving to provide.

When a brain injury is treated as an acute or one-time condition, treatments and services are limited to those classifications.  This includes rehabilitation services, medical treatments, insurance coverage, and other benefits and supports. It means that once a person is supposedly healed – or reaches a certain point in their recovery – their access to these services diminishes.  If a person continues to suffer from long-term effects of their brain injury, they can face difficulties in accessing the help they need.

One of the reasons for a lack of awareness about the chronic nature of brain injuries is that some symptoms and effects are not noticeable right away.  A person may seem to recover fairly well, but then have a relapse. Or, they may only show other symptoms later in life that can be traced back to their TBI.  These can include headaches, fatigue, memory issues, depression and other mental issues, and physical ailments, among others.

By classifying brain injury as a chronic condition, the CDC and CMS can use their combined reach to educate both individuals and organizations that serve these survivors so as to better assist and improve their quality of life.

It could then release more funding to helping those living with chronic impairment from their TBI, in the same way that other chronic conditions receive funding and resources.  It would be our hope that some of this funding would be to help survivors find quality living situations, such as Villa Licci, so they can continue their recovery in a stable, supportive community.

 

marias story
TBI Survivor

Maria’s Story – Unmasking Brain Injury

Recently, we heard from a TBI survivor who wanted to share her story in the hopes of raising awareness about what life is like for a survivor.  She is a prospective future resident of Villa Licci and a member of local support groups.  Here is her story and mask as part of a project coordinated by Unmasking Brain Injury.

After lunch one Sunday, my niece wanted to cheer me up for my birthday, since my dad had died seven months prior. My niece was going straight on a green light when a lady disregarded her own red light and turned right in front of us. Our front passenger side hit her passenger side. When I woke up in a haze, I couldn’t speak or move.

I later found out that I almost died in the wreck and from misdiagnoses from doctors. From the hospital I was transferred to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Kokomo, then transferred to a “rehab unit” in a nursing home, from which I was released a about a week later. Neurologists could not explain my lack of balance, and eye tracking problem because Indiana did not have doctors who specialized in cerebellum disorders which causes balance issues, nystagmus and other problems. After thirteen years, on April 5, 2018, a Neuro-Ophthalmologist diagnosed me with a severe brain injury that includes cerebellum damage, Trochlear nerve palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia and other injuries. That doctor could not understand how my brain injury was misdiagnosed and how I was not hospitalized for at least a couple months.

My mask represents two different sides (lives) of me: my life prior to the car wreck and my life now.

The blue side was my life prior to the car wreck. I was living in Bloomington IN, where I started to work on a doctoral program (Ph.D.) in Health Behavior (now called Public Health) and Family Studies as well as working as an Associate Instructor (A.I.) at Indiana University (IU). I enjoyed life on a Big Ten campus, where I had earned my master’s degree.  I liked living in Bloomington with various cultures and being part of the IU community.  I loved to go out with friends, was very physically active and attended various community and cultural events. I was involved in my church. I had good health insurance through IU and I was relatively healthy.

The red side is my life now. Everything changed in an instant. Sadly, my whole world as I knew it, was gone. I am not able to live in Bloomington, attend IU, work, or be with friends and colleagues. I moved back home to Russiaville, IN, to live with my mom. I am not as physically active as before. I am able to ride my recumbent bicycle since I am not able to ride my old two wheeled bicycle due to my balance. I lost most of my friends and I miss being physically and socially active. It is very difficult and lonely, living with a rare “invisible injury” such as a brain injury.  No one can see my injuries and still no specialist understands my disorder like they do in the Northeast.

To learn more about some of Maria’s struggles post-injury, and how she is helping other survivors, read this article from the IU School of Medicine.

Pictures of Maria and her friends and family:

To learn more about the mask project and hear from other survivors and their family members, please see our previous story: https://villalicci.org/unmasking-brain-injury/.

lifelong TBI management
TBI Survivor

New Study Shows TBI Recovery is More Fluid than Previously Thought

A new study out of The Ohio State University shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery is not as stable as previously thought.  The effects of a TBI are felt long after the initial injury and rehabilitation period, including continued declines in many individuals.  This has a lasting effect on the quality of life of TBI survivors, and supports the need for communities such as Villa Licci.

One of the key researchers shared, “A lot of folks with brain injuries are trying to remain in their communities and live independently, and it’s critical that those who can help them do that have a full understanding of how their brain injury affects their actions and abilities so they can provide appropriate accommodations.”

Knowing the needs of the individuals who will be served by Villa Licci and recognizing where they might continue to struggle and need extra support will be integral to the success of our budding community.

To read more about this new study, please click here:

brain bolt 2023
TBI Survivor

Brain Bolt 2023

The eighth annual Brain Bolt 5K run/walk/wheel was held on October 7, 2023.  This event benefits the Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell and their work to research, treat and care for patients with traumatic brain and spine injuries.

The event was geared towards people of all ages and abilities – with a special course designed just for TBI survivors with mobility issues.

Villa Licci was present at the event through sponsorship and manning a booth with information about our mission and vision to serve TBI survivors.  Many of the survivors who participated are potential future residents of Villa Licci and active in the support groups around the area.

Other informational booths included GCBS’ MEGA Brain – an inflatable, interactive, walk-through exhibit, as well as specialists from throughout the region educating attendees on various TBI-related issues, including prevention and treatment.

 

Below are two photos from this wonderful event!

new endorsement
Community Updates

Villa Licci Receives Ringing Endorsement!

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI), Indiana University Health, and Ascension St. Vincent endorse the mission of Villa Licci.

In our continuing efforts to bring awareness to the mission and purpose of Villa Licci, our Executive Director, along with members of our board and other supporters have had meetings with various community organizations and businesses. Recent interactions with Indiana hospitals and rehabilitation centers have resulted in positive feedback and new endorsements. Please click the button below to read the most recent letter of endorsement from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indiana University Health, and Ascension St. Vincent.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this movement.

If you have an interest in one day living in a Villa Licci Community, please provide your contact information: