Jennifer’s Story
Read Jennifer’s Story
Summary: The role of ABI case managers in the rehabilitation pathway in Ireland
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After a brain injury, Anne spent twelve years in a nursing home without access to rehabilitation.
When she moved to an ABI Ireland assisted living home, she began to regain choice, independence and everyday confidence. Her story shows what becomes possible when the right support is available.
Anne’s life changed dramatically after acquiring a brain injury. What followed was not a clear pathway to recovery, but years of waiting for the right support.
After her injury, Anne was placed in a nursing home for what was meant to be a short period of emergency respite. That short stay became twelve long years.
— Anne
During that time, Anne was safe. But she had no access to rehabilitation. She felt disconnected from her community and from opportunities to rebuild skills, confidence and independence.
Anne now lives at Waterman’s Lodge, one of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s specialist neurorehabilitation services.
Many of the people supported at Waterman’s Lodge have spent significant time in nursing homes due to a lack of available rehabilitation elsewhere.
At Waterman’s Lodge, support is centred around the individual. People are supported to work towards their own goals, at their own pace, with access to occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support, social work and daily living skills development.
— Barry Coffey, Local Service Manager at Waterman’s Lodge
For Anne, the change was immediate.
— Anne
One of the most meaningful parts of Anne’s recovery has been access to the art room at Waterman’s Lodge.
For years, Anne painted wherever space was available. Now, she has a dedicated place to create, reflect and reconnect with herself.
Alongside art, Anne is rebuilding everyday routines, including cooking and daily living skills.
Anne’s experience shows what becomes possible when the right support is available at the right time.
But it also highlights a wider issue.
Across Ireland, over 1,300 people under the age of 65 are living in nursing homes.
A majority of these people are living with an acquired brain injury.
Often, this is not because a nursing home is the right place for recovery, but because specialist rehabilitation services are not available where people live.
Nursing homes provide care and safety. However, they are not designed to support neurorehabilitation. Without access to therapy, structure and goal‑focused support, people can spend years waiting to move forward.
Anne believes this needs to change.
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland works to ensure people affected by brain injury have access to services that support dignity, choice and independence, and to reduce the number of people left waiting in inappropriate settings.
Your support helps make this possible.
Donations help fund specialist rehabilitation, including therapy, structured daily support and meaningful activities that rebuild skills, confidence and independence. These are the supports that helped Anne move forward — and they can help others do the same
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