Our Resource Guide

The BIAA-KY Resource Guide is intended for individuals with brain injury, family members of people with brain injuries, and professionals who serve people with brain injury. We strive to keep all information as up-to-date as possible.

If you see edits that need to be made, or if you would like to be added as a resource, please Click Here.

Please note that the resources listed are not an endorsement of service.

Brain Injury Basics

The brain can be hurt in many different ways: falls, sports, car accidents, assaults, strokes, and brain tumors are some of the most common types of injuries. Brain injuries can be either traumatic or non-traumatic, but can cause similar problems in a person’s life.

What are the two types of brain injury? Traumatic brain injuries happen when the head is injured by a blow, jolt, or bump. In some cases, the skull is crushed, fractured, or penetrated by a foreign object. Falls, car accidents, sports-related accidents, and assaults are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries.

Acquired, or non-traumatic brain injuries happen because of something inside the brain… like stroke, lack of oxygen, infection, brain tumors, and exposure to toxic substances.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1012-A-Brain-Injury-Basics-1.pdf


 

Concussion Basics

A concussion is a type of brain injury and can happen to anyone. Concussions are often described as “mild,” but their effects can still be serious and impact an individual’s life long after the injury. This is why knowing the signs, symptoms and recovery options for a concussion is important for everyone to know.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1210-A-Concussion-Basics-1.pdf


 

TBI and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (or, intimate partner violence) is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over the other. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a blow, hit, or jolt to the head, falls, and strangulation. The connection between the two is strong: nearly 75% of domestic violence survivors have a traumatic brain injury as a result of the abuse1 . This quick guide explores the basic facts, signs, symptoms, and resources available for anyone needing help.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1230-A-DV-TBI-For-Survivors.pdf


 

Opioids and Brain Injury

Opioids are drugs ranging from prescription painkillers to illegal drugs like heroin. While opioids can be effective and safe if taken as prescribed, they can cause severe problems if abused. Over-using substances like opioids puts you at a higher risk for sustaining a brain injury due to trauma or because oxygen is cut off to the brain. Conversely, the symptoms caused by a brain injury increase the likelihood of abusing substances like opioids to temporarily relieve physical pain. Opioid addiction is on the rise, which is why it’s important to understand how it affects the brain injury community.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2021.0202-A-Brain-Injury-Opioids.pdf


 

Stroke

Strokes are a type of acquired brain injury and happen when blood flow is cut off to part of the brain. Strokes prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, which can cause damage in just minutes. Understanding what puts an individual at risk for a stroke, how to spot a stroke in the moment, and what recovery looks like are the three main concepts covered below.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2021.0128-A-Stroke.pdf


 

Self-Care and Resilience

Caregiving for an individual with a brain injury can be challenging and it’s critical to take care of yourself on this journey to remain resilient. Psychologists recommend practicing self-care as one way to build resilience because it can help empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences. Plus, if you are taking care of yourself, the person you are caring for benefits, too.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1023-A-Self-Care-Resiliency-for-Caregivers.pdf


 

Types and Roles of Professionals

When navigating your own brain injury or a loved one’s, you may find yourself dealing with doctors and other professionals unfamiliar to you. There are many types of health care professionals who specialize in different things that can be helpful for people with brain injuries so it’s important to know who and what to look for when needing treatment.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1215-A-Types-Roles-and-Services-of-Professionals-1.pdf


 

Transitioning Out of School with TBI

Brain injury presents a spectrum of disorder. Not every brain injury is the same, and students with a brain injury may struggle to achieve optimal school and work outcomes without appropriate support.  As students with brain injury prepare to transition out of school, there are services to help.  Transition plans for all students with disabilities, ages 15-21, must be built into the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/navigating-transition-school-brain-injury-concussion/


 

Documenting Brain Injury for Service Eligibility

Brain injury can be a misdiagnosed condition, especially when an injury occurred as a child, or is labeled as a “mild” injury. However, the impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may mean someone requires support to live safely in the community of their choice. It’s not unusual for parents to provide round the clock care at home to a grown child who needs help after brain injury. But when the parents can’t do it anymore and siblings have to step in, they need help. When there is no medical documentation of an injury, and eligibility for services depends on it, what do you do? It’s pretty common that people with brain injuries are seen well after the fact, and many time lack an assessment that was done at the time of the injury; one study found 42% of persons who stated they had experienced a TBI did not seek medical attention(1), and others show similar results.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021.1028-Documenting-a-BI-for-Service-Eligibility-1.pdf


 

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Diagnosing a brain injury is not always as simple as getting a scan or picture of the brain. Even with a “normal” scan, the person may have trouble with how they think and how they behave. This is why something like a neuropsychological evaluation can help pinpoint the issues someone is having, what is causing it, and how to treat it effectively.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2020.1214-A-Neuropsychological-Evaluations-1.pdf


 

Concussion in the Elderly

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the most frequent type of brain injury and account for around 85% of all brain injuries, regardless of age. However, someone does not have to strike their head in order to have a concussion. Whiplash in a car accident or falling can produce enough force to shake the brain and cause an injury . There may or may not be a loss of consciousness; if it does occur, it’s typically brief and lasts 30 minutes or less. There may be a period of time where the person is in a confused or disoriented state; that usually lasts for 24 hours or less. But even without loss of consciousness, a person, especially the elderly, can still have long-term problems caused by a mTBI.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2020.0615-Concussion-in-the-Elderly.pdf


 

Mental Health and Brain Injury

The relationship between brain injury and mental health is strong, but still under-researched. What we do know is while sometimes brain injury is an entirely separate issue to mental health, brain injury can lead to new mental health issues developing, and mental health issues can make brain injury symptoms worse. The effects of brain injury and mental illness can look very similar, which is why understanding the relationship between the two is important for individuals to advocate for themselves and for medical professionals to make accurate diagnoses.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2021.0118-A-Mental-Health-Brain-Injury.pdf


 

Supporting Independence After Brain Injury

Brain injury can be a barrier to being independent. Giving caregivers and professionals the skills necessary to encourage independence safely is important for recovery. Patience, time, communication, and taking a long-term approach are key in the process of supporting independence.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2020.0819-Supporting-Independence-After-Brain-Injury.pdf


 

Traumatic Brain Injury in Children

For a long time, it was assumed that children with TBI would recover better than adults because their brains had more “plasticity,” but recent research has shown this is not the case. Children who sustain TBI at a young age have little prior knowledge and/or fewer life experiences to draw upon to support their cognitive and behavioral recovery. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand that cognitive (learning) impairments of children may not be immediately obvious after an injury (though some are). These symptoms can become apparent as the child gets older as they face increased cognitive and social demands for new learning and more complex, socially appropriate behavior.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.biav.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021.1220-TBI-in-Children.pdf


Hotlines

https://dbhdid.ky.gov/kdbhdid/hotlines.aspx

Advocacy Overview
Kentucky Advocacy Overview


 

Essentials of Effective Legislative Advocacy

Essentials of Effective Legislative Advocacy


 

Brain Injury Advocacy Resources

https://www.bianc.net/advocacy/advocacy-resources/


 

Kentucky House of Representatives

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives


 

Kentucky Senate

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/senate


 

US House of Representatives

https://www.house.gov/


 

US Senate

https://www.senate.gov/


 

BIAV Advocacy Webinars

https://www.biav.net/advocacy-webinars/

CDC Heads Up Program

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html


 

Concussions in Youth

Concussions in Youth Guide


 

Concussion Question Guide

cordiscosaile.com/concussion-quiz/


 

Even mild COVID-19 is linked to brain damage, scans show

The new British research is the first to reveal striking differences in areas of the brain based on scans taken before and after a coronavirus infection.

 

COVID-19 ‘brain fog’ inspires search for causes and treatments

Disentangling the roots of survivors’ cognitive deficits is no easy task…

https://www.science.org/content/article/covid-19-brain-fog-inspires-search-causes-and-treatments


 

How experts diagnose and treat post-COVID ‘brain fog’ symptoms

The virus can cause long-lasting cognitive symptoms that researchers are just beginning to understand.

https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/covid-brain-damage-cognitive-symptoms-rcna19010



Emerging from COVID-19 Brain Fog


 



Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

https://dbhdid.ky.gov/kdbhdid/hotlines.aspx


Intimate Partner Violence

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/index.html


 

Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/svandipv.html

General Information

 

 

University of Kentucky Program

https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/conditions/brain-injury


 

Brain Injury Branch – State of Kentucky

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/abi.aspx


 

Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/tbitrust.aspx


 

Case Management

 

Path Forward of Kentucky Support Services

https://pathforwardky.com/aquired-brain-injury-waiver

ABI Case Management

http://www.abicm.org/


 

Therapeutic Services

Frazier Rehab Institute – Louisville

https://uoflhealth.org/locations/frazier-rehabilitation-institute/services/brain-injury-program/

Resilient Life Care – La Grange

http://resilientlifecare.com/

Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital – Lexington

https://www.brainandspinalcord.org/kentucky/

A Brighter Future ABI – Lexington

https://abrighterfutureabi.com/

Horn and Associates in Rehabilitation, PLLC – Lexington

https://www.horntherapy.com/

Select Specialty Hospital – Central Kentucky

https://www.selectspecialtyhospitals.com/locations-and-tours/ky/danville/central-kentucky/

NeuroRestorative Kentucky – Louisville

https://www.neurorestorative.com/state-location/louisville/

Pathways Brain Injury Program at Christopher East Nursing Center – Louisville

https://providencelouisville.com/pathways-brain-injury-program/

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/p/physical-medicine-rehab/inpatient-rehabilitation

Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital – New Albany

https://vrhsouthernindiana.com

Blossom Neuro Speech & Wellness
https://www.blossomneuro.com/


Kentucky Brain Injury Waiver Service Providers

https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/waivers/abiabiltcserviceproviders.pdf

Mental Health After TBI or Concussion: Recovery Is Possible


https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/navigating-mental-health-after-tbi-and-concussion


 

Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health After Brain Injury

https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/media/taking-care-of-your-mental-health


 

Making Connections: Mental Health & Brain Injury


 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions


 


 

Mental Health & Concussion Collide

http://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2023-BIANC-Concussion-Mental-Health.pdf



Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

https://dbhdid.ky.gov/kdbhdid/hotlines.aspx


Bloom’s Mindfulness for ABI


Traumatic Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addiction

Home Remodeling and Modifications for People with Special Needs

https://www.usinsuranceagents.com/home-updates-special-needs/


 

100+ Resources, Tips, and Discounts on Mobility and Accessibility Products for Seniors and the Disabled

https://dealspotr.com/article/discounts-on-mobility-and-accessibility-products


 

Simple Changes to Make Your Home Safe for Aging in Place

https://housemethod.com/blog/simple-changes-for-aging-in-place/

Assessment and Diagnosis

Every person experiences different changes after brain injury, often making diagnosis and assessment tricky. There are multiple types of professionals that participate in diagnostic testing and treatment after brain injury. Specialty, credentials, experience, and access are all components to choosing which specialist is right for you. Some may not take insurance or are not offered under state-funded services. Be sure to ask about the type of testing performed, experience with brain injury, and potential financial options prior to your visit. For some, testing is helpful every couple of years to indicate changes in rehabilitation.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Neuropsychology-Assessment.pdf


 

Counseling and Mental Health

Many individuals find that a brain injury can change a person by altering abilities, strengths, and personality. Most people go through a period of emotional recovery in which the person with brain injury and their loved ones may need to process how their lives have been affected by the loss or change in one’s life. A mental health professional can assist with adjustment, acceptance, and self-esteem. People may need to explore questions of meaning, spirituality, and participation in the community. The following is a list of types of professionals who deal with mental health and the emotional issues related to brain injury.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Counseling_Mental-Health-Services.pdf


 

Day Programs and Activities

Isolation, processing/communication changes, transportation, and funding are often barriers to engaging in the community or enjoying things you or a loved one did before brain injury. Daily activity can be beneficial to brain health, living skills, social relationships, self-esteem, and self-awareness. Even if an individual may not be ready to engage in a structured day program, creating a daily schedule with activity and development opportunities can make a great deal of difference in rehabilitation.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Day-Programs-Activity.pdf


 

Financial Services

After brain injury, many people face financial struggles and challenges that may seem overwhelming. You are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney or financial planner to structure a solid financial plan. You may also be eligible for federal or state assistance depending on your level of care needs. Many people are often denied at first and need to appeal the decision. Avoid feeling discouraged and begin the appeals process immediately, requesting reconsideration and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You may also seek out assistance from an attorney/advocate.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Financial-Services.pdf


 

Guardianship

For some individuals after brain injury have difficulty making good decisions for themselves. Some people may need assistance from someone else to assume their rights and make decisions about many aspects of their daily lives. This may be a family member, neighbor, friend, or someone appointed from a private or public agency. Guardianship is often people’s first action taken when it really should be the last possible option. There are alternatives to explore before resorting to full guardianship as it can be challenging to be overturned or restored later down the line.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Guardianship.pdf


 

Independent Living & Employment

Individuals living with brain injury often want the same things as they did prior to injury or as every one else. Living as independently as possible and having a good job or something to do during the day are important to some. Despite challenges posed by brain injury, these goals are possible with supports. Even when people cannot return fully to employment, there are opportunities for a meaningful day in volunteering, entrepreneurship, or family owned businesses. The right technology, structure, and assistance can make the right solution for achieving the maximum level of independence for someone. Avoid automatically saying it can’t be done and instead, look at what might be out there to help.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Independent-Living-Employment-Services.pdf


 

Legal Services

When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) interrupts a person’s ability to fully use their brain, then that person and family may face a number of legal issues that aren’t otherwise anticipated. Most professionals agree that it’s a good idea to contact an attorney after any hospitalization or lifestyle interruption following a brain injury. Individuals or their families may not be aware of their rights, how to keep them protected, or how to receive compensation or financial assistance for any lost opportunities and abilities.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Legal-Services.pdf


 

Medical Services

The wide range of severity might mean accessing different parts of medical services after a brain injury. In mild injuries, the individual may not experience immediate symptoms – making it difficult to determine when or if medical care is necessary. However, to sooner access to care, the better, as the severity of the injury and the time elapsed impacts the recovery process. The longer TBI is left untreated, the more potential for long-term complications. If you’ve experienced a head injury, seek medical attention. No matter the severity of the head injury, any sudden trauma can change how our brains function.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

http://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SD_-Medical-Services.pdf


 

Rehabilitation Services

Individuals after brain injury may notice a wide range of changes due to differences in the brain’s communication with the rest of the body. Luckily, the brain’s connections can actually change and adapt based on repetition and experience through a process called neuroplasticity. Rehabilitation services are often available through in-patient care or outpatient treatment. Some services may be a part of housing/residential services or available through state funded programs (such as Medicaid) but on a limited number of appointments for the year.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Rehabilitation-Services.pdf


 

Residential Services

Many housing providers serve persons with a variety of disabilities, while others work exclusively with brain injury. Any community provider that maintains ongoing appropriate training specific to brain injury and embraces a holistic person-centered approach may be a suitable consideration. Investigate multiple places if you are able and request references from individuals currently living there. Be aware of the increased risk for abuse and report any disturbing signs that you or your loved one may be unsafe.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Residential-Services.pdf


 

Veteran Services

Service members and veterans often find themselves having difficulty connecting to brain injury services upon returning home due to stigma. Common causes of brain injury in the military are training exercises, blast injuries, car collisions, violence, or falls. Individuals with discharges ranging from honorable to other than honorable may not even have a brain injury diagnosis despite experiencing lasting symptoms. Veterans may be more at risk for challenges with mental health, suicide, substance use, homelessness, and unemployment. Connecting to services and others as soon as possible can help to prevent negative outcomes.

Source: (visit the link for additional information)

https://www.bianc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SD_-Veteran-Services.pdf



Road To Recovery


Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Brain Injury


Substance Abuse Resources

https://bianys.org/resources/substance-use/

Online Brain Injury Caregiver Support Group for Severe Brain Injury

https://www.severebicaregivers.com


Online Support Group- twice a month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

The second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
The group is run out of the Social Communication and Cognitive Abilities Lab at the University of Kentucky and the group is accompanied by undergraduate students in the speech-language pathology program who help run the programming. We are largely focused on being a social outlet to meet others with acquired brain injuries. However, we offer some supportive goal setting for those members who are interested in working on biweekly goals.
Contact: Peter Meulenbroek at meulenbroek@uky.edu for information about how to attend our group online.

 


 

Brainwave Warriors – Brain Injury Support Group

Brainwave Warriors meets online on the third Monday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The group promotes a person-centered approach to foster socialization, personal connections, and growth. The meetings are loosely structured, often consisting of brief check-ins, follow-ups, peer-to-peer support, goal setting, and review. Please get in touch with Linda Klawitter, MA CCC/SLP at Linda_Klawitter@brainwaverehab.com for more information, including how to attend. 


Bowling Green
This group meets at SKY Rehab
Location: 1300 Campbell Lane in Bowling Green.
Time: 3 p.m. on the last Friday of each month. Light refreshments are served.
Contact: 270-782-6900
https://skyrehab.com/patient-resources/support-group-stroke/

 


Elizabethtown
Hosted by Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeview and Baptist Health Hardin.
Location: Sam Swope Toyota, located at 1085 North Dixie Highway
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM (Eastern) on the Second Tuesday of each month.
Contact: Traci Quinn at 270-769-3100, ext. 396


Florence – BRIDGES of Northern Kentucky
Location:
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. of Northern Kentucky Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital located at 5940 Merchants Street Florence, KY.
Time: Third Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact: Brain Injury of Northern KY Office: 859-379-8230 or visit their website at: www.biank.org/bridges


Blossom Neuro Speech and Wellness

Meets Second Tuesday of the Month 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. At Blossom Speech Offices

https://apple-gardenia-7lxm.squarespace.com/brain-support-groups


Lexington
Hosted by Encompass Health – Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital Brain Injury Support Group –
Location: 2050 Versailles Rd
Lexington, KY 40504
2nd Floor Brain Injury Unit
Time: Third Tuesday of the month 6 p.m.
Contact: Michelle Dunaway 859 246 8931


Louisville
Location:
University of Louisville -Frazier Rehabilitation
4912 US Hwy 42
Louisville, KY 40222
Time: Offers a Family and Survivor Support Group
Contact: 502 429 8640 for dates/times of the group

 


Louisville
Brain Injury Support Group for Survivors and Caregivers
Location: Baptist Rehabilitation Hospital
11800 Bluegrass Parkway Louisville, KY 40299
Time: First Wednesday of each month. The group meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: For more information, contact Connie Campbell at 502-380-7651
https://www.baptisthealth.com/care-services/conditions-treatments/traumatic-brain-injury
Topcis, speakers, some outings. Meeting at Hospital.

 


Murray
Location: The Center for Health and Wellness at the Murray/Calloway County Hospital
716 Poplar St Murray, KY 42071
Time: Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.
Contact: Cheryl Crouch at 270 293-9442 or email at cherylscrouch@yahoo.com
https://www.murrayhospital.org/community-programs/support-groups/

 


Southern Indiana
Location:
PAM Health Rehab Hospital of Greater Indiana North, 3104 Blackison Blvd.
Time: meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Contact: Southern Indian Traumatic Brain Injury Fellowship, SITBIF Contact Beverly Setree at (502) 819-2542 or email at sitbif@gmail.com
https://pamhealth.com/hospitals/pam-health-rehabilitation-hospital-of-greater-indiana-north/


Stroke Support Group
Location:
Norton Medical Plaza 2, 3rd Floor in the Joan Riehm Community Room, 3991 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40207 (adjoining the Norton Surban Hospital)
Time: Meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact: (for more information contact the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center at (502) 559-3230 or email at nniregistration@nortonhealthcare.org
https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/services/stroke/patient-resources/

Google Translate

Google’s service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages in over 100 languages.

https://translate.google.com/?sjid=17159913220915271606-NA&sl=auto&tl=es&op=websites

BIAV’s podcast, Brain Talk, and other recommendations

https://www.biav.net/podcasts/


 

MAKING CONNECTIONS PODCAST

https://www.bianc.net/resources/education-training/making-connections-podcast/