Brooks Rehabilitation Opens First Work-Based Brain Injury Rehab Program ...( JACKSONVILLE Fla. Oct. 22 /- Ever...),Health

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year in Jacksonville, nearly 600 adults experience some form of brain injury, yet until now, their long road to recovery lacked long-term support. Today, Brooks Rehabilitation celebrated the opening of Brooks Clubhouse, the only program in Florida created to help people with acquired brain injuries transition from medical rehabilitation to community reintegration.

The Brain Injury Association of America estimates that at least 95% of all people who experience disability following a brain injury do not get the long-term services and support needed to achieve maximum recovery. Although extended rehabilitation, support and vocational assistance increases positive outcomes for brain injury survivors, many are unable to continue with formal recovery programs because they have exhausted insurance benefits and have difficulty paying for on-going care due to reduced income following their injury.

The clubhouse model of rehabilitation creates a community of people with a common goal of helping themselves and each other achieve maximum recovery. Working with staff and volunteers in a supportive environment, free of stigma, dependency and isolation, members participate in work-centered programs and social, recreational and creative activities designed to develop life management and vocational skills. Clubhouse services are offered on a sliding scale based upon income, thereby eliminating the cost barrier of receiving long-term support so critical to achieving maximum recovery.

"Adjusting to life after a traumatic brain injury is both emotionally and physically challenging," said Kathy Martin, Brooks Clubhouse Manager. "This Clubhouse was designed to help individuals regain self-worth, purpose and confidence to live full, productive lives at home, in the community and the workplace."

Maintaining a functional and homelike atmosphere, the approximately 5,000-square-foot facility features a large
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