Community Integration with Ashby Community Support Services (ACSS)
Ashby Community Support Services (ACSS) are designed to provide support to individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI) who are living in the community. Facilitators work collaboratively with in-house clinical specialists and consultants to support the individual as they pursue personal goals related to living independently, staying productive, building social networks, and participating in their community.
Staff assistance is provided in the areas of home management, personal management, skill development, education, and employment. Our staff work with clients and their families to build positive everyday routines and tailor support to maximize their opportunities for success. Staff support clients on a one-to-one or a group basis.
A Service and Care plan is developed with the client and their families at time of admission and reviewed annually to evaluate and plan for services. Assessments are conducted through interviews, questionnaires/survey and direct observations, both in the client’s home and the community.
The majority of teaching and training occurs in the environment where it is needed; and issues of cognition are addressed at every level of participation. Community Support Services (CSS) staff work with clients in their environment to teach skills such as:
- money management and budgeting;
- medical management and assistance to ensure appropriate follow-up;
- activities of household management, such as grocery shopping and meal planning;
- community orientation, travel training and how to access community resources;
- time management and scheduling.
Some teams within the ACSS Department have specific areas of expertise and work with clients that may require a different type of specialized support:
Neurobehavioural Intervention Program (NBIP)
The Neurobehavioural Intervention Program Team provides group and individual support to those with acquired brain injury and substance use and/or mental health issues. This team includes an Addiction Counsellor and a dedicated Behaviour Therapist. Additionally, all staff have ABI, substance use, and mental health training. The team is closely supervised by Dr. Lemsky, CHIRS’ Clinical Director and neuropsychologist, and works with addiction and mental health services providers in the community. CHIRS offers a number of groups to support individuals who are struggling with addictions.
Groups are recommended for clients who are working on abstinence or are willing to participate in a plan towards such a goal. Participants should be willing to engage with peers and have the potential to generate skills learned to settings outside of the group. Generalization outside of the group is most likely when a person is interested in learning the material and feels ready, willing, and able to make a change in their behaviour and skills. In some instances, potential clients may be asked to meet with the team leader to ensure they have the cognitive, communication, and behavioural abilities to benefit from the group.
For more information on community support services, please contact the Intake Department at intake@chirs.com.