4.1 Explain the roles of other professionals and agencies working with individuals with acquired brain injury

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Explain the roles of other professionals and agencies working with individuals with acquired brain injury.

Caring for a person with an acquired brain injury (ABI) is a team effort. Many different professionals and agencies work alongside the individual and their family. Each brings a set of skills and services aimed at supporting recovery, independence, and quality of life. Knowing who does what helps you make the right referrals and provide joined-up support.

In this guide, we will look at some of the roles and how they support people with ABI.

Health and Medical Professionals

Consultant Neurologist or Neurosurgeon

• Leads on medical diagnosis, assessment, and initial treatment after brain injury.
• Advises on medication, surgery, and medical management.

General Practitioner (GP)

• Co-ordinates ongoing health care in the community.
• Manages routine prescriptions, referrals, and monitoring of general health needs.
• Provides information and advice to both the individual and family.

Rehabilitation Physician

• Specialises in complex rehabilitation, setting long-term goals, and monitoring progress.
• May oversee a team of therapists and plan intensive rehab programmes.

Physiotherapist

• Helps restore movement, strength, and physical function.
• Supports walking, balance, and exercises to improve independence.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Assists with activities of daily living like washing, dressing, cooking, and using equipment.
• Suggests adaptations to the home and teaches new techniques for everyday tasks.

Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)

• Addresses problems with speech, communication, and understanding.
• Supports safe swallowing and eating if the injury has affected these skills.

Neuropsychologist or Clinical Psychologist

• Assesses changes in thinking, memory, behaviour, mood, and personality after brain injury.
• Delivers therapy for emotional adjustment, anxiety, and behavioural difficulties.
• Helps families understand and respond to changes.

Psychiatrist

• Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or psychosis after brain injury.
• Advises on medication and complex cases of behaviour change.

Specialist Nurses

• Brain injury or rehabilitation nurses coordinate care.
• Provide information, monitor medical issues, and support the family with education and advice.

Social Care and Support Services

Social Worker

• Assesses both the person with brain injury and carers for social care needs.
• Helps arrange care packages, home adaptations, financial support, and respite breaks.
• Supports safeguarding and mental capacity assessments.

Care Workers / Support Workers

• Provide direct help at home, for personal care and daily activities.
• May support social outings, appointments, or therapies.

Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) or Advocate

• Supports decision making where someone cannot speak up for themselves or lacks capacity.
• Makes sure the individual’s rights and wishes are heard in care planning.

Respite Care Providers

• Offer temporary short-term care to give family carers a break.
• This can be at home, in the community, or in specialist settings.

Education and Employment Services

Educational Psychologist

• Helps young people with ABI return to or manage in school.
• Advises on special educational needs, learning adjustments, and school reintegration.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

• Works in schools to arrange support, resources, and learning plans for children with brain injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist / Job Coach

• Assists adults with ABI to return to work or find new employment.
• Offers work skills support, employer advice, and job adaptations.

Charities and Voluntary Agencies

These organisations provide practical help, information, and emotional support.

Examples:

• Headway (for people with brain injury and their families)
• The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT)
• The Child Brain Injury Trust

Their services include:

• Helplines and information resources
• Local support groups and peer mentoring
• Advocacy, signposting, and training
• Funding for equipment or therapy in some cases

Housing and Independent Living Services

Housing Officer or Adaptation Specialist

• Helps make the home safe and accessible.
• Arranges grants or adaptations, such as ramps, rails, and bathroom changes.

Supported Living Providers

• Provide housing options and support for people who cannot live independently but do not need a care home.

Legal and Financial Advice

Solicitor or Legal Adviser

• Advises on power of attorney, mental capacity, wills, and benefits.
• May support claims for compensation if the brain injury was due to an accident or medical negligence.

Welfare Rights Adviser

• Explains benefits, grants, and financial entitlements.
• Can help with form-filling and appeals.

Other Key Professionals

• Dietitian: Advises on nutrition, especially if swallowing difficulties arise.
• Pharmacist: Checks medication safety and advises on side effects.
• Counsellor: Offers talking therapy for emotional wellbeing.
• Police, Emergency Services: May be involved after some injuries.
• Transport/Community Transport: Supports safe travel for appointments and outings.

Teamwork and Communication

Effective support for people with ABI relies on:

• Sharing information (with consent)
• Regular review meetings, such as case conferences
• Involving the individual and family in all decisions

Professionals work best when they understand each other’s roles and communicate well.

Final Thoughts

No single professional or agency holds all the answers for someone living with acquired brain injury. It is the mix of medical, therapy, social care, voluntary sector, education, and legal support that helps people rebuild their lives. Families benefit most when these professionals work together, value each other’s input, and always put the individual’s needs and preferences at the centre of care. Knowing about the roles and when to involve others is a key skill in providing the right support.