FAQ´s and Glossary | ActivRehab

Below is a list of frequently asked question, please click on the question to view the answer.

Q. What is the difference between ActivRehab and case management?

A. ActivRehab has deliberately moved away from viewing a person with a brain injury as a ‘case that needs to be managed’. Instead we regard people as having only one life and despite their disabilities they need support to enable them to live their life with as much independence, self-determination, purpose and quality possible. ActivRehab does not focus on providing care, but on enablement, empowerment and facilitation. ActiveRehab does not formulate a ‘care plan’ that minimises risk and meets defined needs. ActivRehab is a dynamic interdisciplinary rehabilitation plan that defines the support that people need to do the simple things in life when their impairment makes this difficult. We do not focus only on physical or sensory impairments, but regard social, psychological and behavioural disabilities in the same way – as barriers to independence and self-determination. ActivRehab does not only formulate support in relation to ‘quantity’, the number of hours needed, or a menu of interventions that are required. ActivRehab does not use ‘agency’ or ‘mail order’ support, but defines what the support looks like and the quality or calibre of person required to provide that support. We provide training and supervision for all staff so that the support plan becomes an agreement between the person, the interdisciplinary team and the Commissioner. We acknowledge that life is not static and that our life experiences affect the way we feel and the level of support we need from time-to-time. ActivRehab seeks to ensure that the right level of support is provided despite fluctuation in the person’s circumstances. ActivRehab is run by a Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Consultant Neuropsychologist and Consultant Nurse Specialist in Rehabilitation. Other professional clinicians will make up the interdisciplinary team supporting an individual dependent on what support is needed. ActivRehab employs Advanced Practitioners, who are specialists in brain injury, to co-ordinate and supervise the support plans that are delivered by highly skilled and trained Personal Assistants.

Q. Who funds ActivRehab programs?

A. Our commissioners are Primary Care Trusts, Solicitors, Insurance Companies and individuals who have sustained a brain injury.

Q. I am a solicitor, how do I refer to ActivRehab?

A. To make a referral simply go to our contact page and use any one of the methods to get in touch. We respond promptly to all enquiries.

Q. I have a brain injury, how can I get help from ActivRehab?

A. You can contact the ActivRehab team yourself to get more information or ask a family member, doctor or solicitor if you have one to contact us on your behalf. Our address and phone number can be found on our contact page

Q. Does ActivRehab manage medication needs and reviews, psychological treatment and employment and management of all personnel needed to support someone in their own home?

A. This is exactly what ActivRehab does. All the core experts necessary to manage and support people are on the team. We assign an Advanced Practitioner to each client and Personal Assistants to work directly with the person.

Q. I currently have a case manager and support but don’t feel I can choose what I want to do. I used to canoe and rock climb but am told it s too risky. Is this true?

A. At ActivRehab we believe that people have the right to live their lives. Our pledge is to help people to live self-determined lives as independently as possible. We are aware that there may be risks and will work with you to minimise them being as creative and innovative as we can. It may be possible to support you to pursue activities such as canoeing and rock climbing. We are prepared to work with people to find ways to overcome those barriers that prevent them from doing what they choose to do despite their disabilities. We cannot support people to pursue activities and interests when there is a serious medical reason that prevents it or it involves breaking the Law. If together we cannot find ways to help you pursue your interests, we are committed to working with you to look at alternatives.

Q. Is ActivRehab an NHS service or can I get it on the NHS?

A. ActivRehab is a private company, but sometimes the NHS may agree to pay for services people receive from us if they are unable to offer similar services in your area.

Q. Can ActivRehab support people with severe and challenging behaviour in the community?

A. Yes, in fact this is one of our specialist areas. The Consultants who run the company and Advanced Practitioners who co-ordinate the rehabilitation support plans have a proven background in supporting people with challenging behaviour to live active and fulfilling lives in the community, irrespective of the challenges they may present.

Q. What is rehabilitation?

A. Rehabilitation after a brain injury is about helping people to attain their optimal level of functioning despite physical, social, cognitive, emotional, or behavioural impairments. It is then about helping the person to maintain their optimal functioning by preventing disability and maintaining their role in society. Rehabilitation is about helping to identify and to provide those tools that will enable the person to lead as independent and self-determined a life as possible. Few people make a full recovery after a moderate or severe brain injury. Rehabilitation is not a treatment that starts and then stops. It is a dynamic and flexible approach to maintain social role, to promote independence and to provide opportunities that sustain a meaningful and valued life regardless of disabilities.