Dr. Karen Foley:

Deputy Canney mentioned acquired brain injury. I will take the example he gave of stressed parents coming into his office. That is a typical experience for any of the agencies here. We are harping on about case management but a case manager in that situation, whether the individual had acquired or been born with an injury, would be one point of contact who was informed about the condition and would be able to educate the family on the support structure, what to expect, what is normal and what to do about deficits and issues causing the family challenges. The case manager would support them on that journey in navigating housing issues, carer’s allowance and benefits and linking in with support the child might need around school and education. A case manager has the ability, skill set and expertise to support the family and the individual, a child in that instance but it could be an adult in another instance, in navigating their journey, rather than having to figure out the system and bring it all together. Someone traumatised by a life-changing event will feel distress and grief and there is an emotional journey that has to be gone on, as well as everything else. A case manager in that situation would take the stress out of it for them and help them know what is and is not normal, what to expect and what is potentially needed. It is the person’s choice about what he or she wants to link in to. The case manager is not making the choice for them but is taking the stress out of navigating the journey. That is what case management means for us in Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and it is true for any illness, disability or condition .