Assisted Living for Brain Injured People in Virginia

Assisted living facilities for people suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the state of Virginia range from the very affordable state funded housing to the more upscale privately funded homes. Richmond opened the cities first group home for survivors of brain and spinal cord injuries in 2005. Virginia Beach offers a more home-like setting with private suites situated in a quiet neighborhood. Choices for the family will come down to location and affordability as well as quality of care.

State-Funded Facilities

• Located in Richmond, Independence House is for very low income persons with traumatic brain injuries. Tenants must be referred by a state agency and are required to pay 30 percent of their income with a minimum of $50.00 per month, as of 2010. Support services are available to enhance independence in daily life skills, education and finding employment. Bliley Manor is another facility in Richmond and is also for low income persons who have been referred by a state agency. Bliley Manor only accommodates eight tenants.

Private/Coastal Region

• The Neurological Rehabilitation Living Center is located in Virginia Beach. Dr. Robert Voogt is the founder and director of NRLC. The living center is located 3 miles from the ocean, is located in a quiet neighborhood and offers residents extensive therapy from highly trained professionals. The home only has 12 private suites for residents seeking long-term care. Their services include physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapy as well as vocational evaluation and job coaching services.

Private/Richmond Area

• Tree of Life offers an upscale, home environment with landscaped surroundings, private rooms and bathrooms designed for full accessibility for the disabled. Services focus on neurorehabilitation and long-term care in a compassionate environment. Their admission requirements are limited to people who are older than 18, have a primary diagnosis of acquired brain injury and have been evaluated by the Medical Director and Neuropsychologist.

General Support Services

• People with brain injuries and their family members can find statewide helpful information and support at the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV). They have a toll-free help line (800-334-8443) or can be reached by e-mail [email protected] or online at www.biav.net. According to BIAV, Virginia is in desperate need of more facilities. The agency works with state legislators to enhance awareness of the problem and to pass legislation to increase funding for more state facilities.

Housing Support Services

• Virginia Supportive Housing is the source for specific state funded living facilities. This nonprofit organization was established in 1988 with the sole purpose of providing shelter for low income homeless adults as well as those with disabilities. Their website provides information on how to qualify for state assisted living as well as locations and specific services for the brain injured person.

Starting Point

• The best place to start your search for assisted living is to consult the physician or therapist that is treating the brain injured person and is familiar with the patient's case. Specifics of the injury in question, their personal needs, proximity of family members and affordability are all details that need to be addressed to find the most suitable living situation.