QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
The ABI Day Program offers outpatient therapy groups for people who have an acquired brain injury. The program is for people who want to learn more about their brain injury, take part in meaningful activities, explore their strengths, and learn skills and strategies to manage symptoms.
The program is offered in-person and virtually.
NeuroCommons
Unit 0290, Bedford Place Mall
1658 Bedford Highway
Bedford, NS B4A 2X9
Tel: 902-473-1229
Fax: 902-425-6574
Virtual Care (online)
In-Person
There are three parts of the ABI Day Program: Core Program, Series Programs and Social Work Services.
The Core Program is the introductory portion which will help you learn about common effects of brain injury and an introduction to strategies. The Core Program must be completed before you can participate in the Series Programs.
The Series Programs are theme-based groups that focus on learning strategies to manage certain difficulties related to ABI.
There is a 6 week Series Program available on each of the following topics:
There are limited individual Social Work services available to address issues related to your brain injury. ABI Social Work only accepts referrals from Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre (NSRAC) clinicians at this time.
Once you complete the ABI Day Program (including Core and any relevant Series) you will be discharged from the program. Prior to your discharge you will meet with a clinician to determine whether you should be referred to other services.
This service is available at the following locations:
Referrals are accepted from physicians and any other health care provider. The referral form can be completed and faxed to the Coordinator- ABI Ambulatory Care Teams at 902-425-6574. An intake assessment will be completed to determine whether ABI Day Program is appropriate.
To attend the program you must be:
The Core Program runs for 12 -16 sessions, 2 times each week for 6 -8 weeks.
Each session is 1.5 hours – 2.25 hours.
ABI Series programs run for 8-16 sessions each, 1- 2 times each week for 6 weeks.
Each session is 90-120 minutes (1.5 - 2 hours).
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Day Treatment Program is a supportive group where you can learn about ABI, ways to manage ongoing challenges related to your ABI, meet people with similar experiences, and explore your strengths.
This pamphlet defines what a stroke is, what a stroke might look like, and what a stroke can cause. Other topics include admission to hospital, rehabilitation, getting back to normal, and your discharge plan. This pamphlet is also available in French.
If you have an ABI, using alcohol and drugs can have a serious effect on you and your recovery. This pamphlet explains how alcohol and drug use will affect you after an ABI and lists resources for getting help.
Anger is a natural emotion. People with an ABI sometimes have problems with anger. It is important to manage your anger. If you do not manage your anger, it can hurt your relationships and make it hard for you to do things (like work or take part in social activities). Tips for managing anger are provided.
This pamphlet explains different ways you may experience attention problems after a brain injury, things that can make it worse, and tips for coping.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This pamphlet includes information on how long symptoms last, symptoms to watch for, and what to expect the first few weeks. An in-depth list of common symptoms and how to deal with them, and a FAQ section is also included.
This pamphlet explains what causes fatigue after an ABI, different ways you may experience fatigue, things that can make fatigue worse, and tips for coping with fatigue.
Many people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) have trouble doing tasks or taking part in activities. This is often caused by a problem with initiation (the ability to start an activity), not with motivation (the desire to do an activity). This pamphlet explains how problems with initiation may affect you and what you can do to help with initiation.
After an acquired brain injury (ABI), you may have changes in your memory. This pamphlet explains how memory changes might affect you, and tips for managing your memory.
This pamphlet explains what perseveration is and strategies that can help. It also lists helpful resources.
After an acquired brain injury (ABI), it is important to stay active.
This pamphlet explains some of the common symptoms after a mild stroke, and answers questions like how long your symptoms will last, when you can drive again, what your chance is of having another stroke, and what you can do to prevent another stroke.
Your primary health care provider may want you to attend the Driver Evaluation Program if you are having health troubles that could affect your driving. This pamphlet answers common questions about the program.