The Challenging Journey of Returning to Work with an ABI
“Brain injuries are difficult to understand and manage. If someone tells you they have a brain injury, they need time and support to recover.”
In late July of 2019, Ellie took a fall off her horse drastically changing her year to follow. After spending the night in hospital with what she thought was a hip injury, the CT scan came back showing Ellie had a brain bleed and resulting concussion. Ellie quickly realized her chance of returning to work in the coming weeks was slim.
Returning to work is a significant driver for individuals recovering from an acquired brain injury (ABI), helping them to regain independence and balance. Ellie’s immediate concern during her overnight hospital visit was how to deal with the workday she had missed. However, for Ellie and many others, the road to recovery and returning to work is a challenging and unique journey for each ABI patient.
A Hasty Return to Work
Four weeks following the injury, Ellie made the decision to return to work. Starting with two hours daily, Ellie struggled with her ability to concentrate, leading to severe and persistent headaches and fatigue. After one week of her return to work, she quickly realized that her recovery required more time. Ellie and her employer set her return to work on pause so she could get the rest and medical treatment necessary to progress.
“Even if I had a good night’s rest, I only had enough concentration and brain power to perform one or two tasks a day. That would be the most I could handle.”
She had attempted several treatments, including medication, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic work, but the headaches continued to persist. It was not until eight months from the date of her injury that she went to a pain management clinic to receive nerve blocking treatments. Since March, Ellie’s headaches have been subsiding, which has been a huge step forward in her recovery.
Small Wins Spark Great Triumphs
As Ellie progressed through her recovery, she received a great deal of support from visiting the farm to see her horses. Although it took a long time to get back on the saddle, Ellie began performing simple tasks around the farm to feel a sense of routine, belonging, and independence. During recovery, it is crucial for ABI patients to take part in former, routine activities to stimulate brain function and encourage motivation and positivity with their progress. Eventually, she started riding again, increasing her ability to concentrate with a familiar activity.
“If you are able to keep a positive outlook and grasp small victories, it makes a huge difference for your progress.”
Strides in Progress
Ellie’s progress has now advanced to where she feels confident enough to restart a return to work plan with her employer. For many, work is a significant facet of life where one gains a sense of achievement, growth, and independence. As an employer, building a proactive and thoughtful return to work program can assist individuals with ABI progress through their recovery and re-establish themselves. Your efforts to understand, accommodate and support employees impacted by acquired brain injuries creates a meaningful difference.
“Brain injuries are difficult to understand and manage. If someone tells you they have a brain injury, they need time and support to recover.”
To learn more about acquired brain injuries and how to facilitate a return to work program for those impact by ABI, visit our article, Building a Successful Return to Work Plan for ABI Patients, or email us at hello@oakhouse.com for more information.