On the road back to independence

THE North-West’s first residential facility for adults with acquired brain injury has been a huge success since it opened.

Reporter Usma Raja went along to meet staff at Mimosa House in Chadderton who make it their business to help people regain their confidence and self-esteem following an accident, and talks to a resident who was inspired to return to further education and lead an independent life.

THE complications of an acquired brain injury are both severe and life-changing

It can affect so many of the natural abilities we take for granted — from thinking, memory loss, walking, planning to language skills — and can result in a change in behaviour and personality.

But staff at Mimosa House in Chadderton are leading the way in supporting people to help them get back on track.

This year it was awarded the flagship Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) three-year status for providing an excellent service.

What’s more the accreditation makes the Oldham Council-run service the first in the country to gain such recognition.

The much-needed facility opened in September, 2006, after research showed that many people were travelling outside the borough to be treated.

Six individuals were identified and moved in to the six self-contained flats at Mimosa House following its opening.

Each flat consists of a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

It can be adapted to meet the needs of each tenant and has a communal area, kitchen and office. Residents can stay for between six and 18 months.

The first resident to benefit was Raymond Luk (27), who suffered a brain injury following a heart attack while playing football 10 years ago.

He said: “I have received a lot of help from staff here. They have given me my independence back.

“I now do my own shopping, cooking and cleaning. I am also studying a BTEC in information technology at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton.

“I couldn’t do any of these prior to arriving here. The facility is more compact than where I was before and I enjoy it.”

Raymond is now ready to move out of the flat to live independently.

Diane Taylor, locality team manager for Adult and Community Services, said about the home: “We work in partnership with the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

“Incorporated in it is the rehabilitation programme, which has proved to be very successful, with two people returning to independent living.”

The staff aim to support people to live in the community, achieving increased quality of life and independence.

They realise that each individual’s support needs may vary from emotional, social and physical problems.

Dr Gemma Wall, a clinical psychologist, works directly with the residents, looking at their neuro-psychology needs.

She explained: “Acquired brain injury could affect people’s thinking skills, memory, planning and language skills or behavioural changes.

“I support the resident by working directly with them and the staff. I discuss with them and other key people what their needs and goals are.

“I regularly review these goals and make sure that the individual is moving towards achieving them so they can get back to independent living.”

She added: “It is difficult to learn new skills after brain injury, for example, people may find it difficult to look after themselves or travel.

“I also work with their families to increase their knowledge about the effects of brain injury and why we do things in a certain way.

“This has resulted in positive feedback from families who have said it has really helped them.”

Tracy Rourke, resource manager for Mimosa House, ensures the smooth running of the service.

She said: “We are regulated by the Commission for Social Care Inspectors and my role is to see we reach set standards.

“The CALF status is excellent for us because we had 169 criteria to fulfil, with most of these deemed as excellent.

“We regularly have representatives from other authorities who visit us to see how the facility is run.”

There are around eight staff members who work on a 24 hour rota system.