Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester - Syracuse - Binghamton

Traumatic Brain Injury

People who are age 18 and older who have sustained a traumatic or acquired brain injury are eligible for TBI services.  Generally, they must be enrolled or eligible for Medicaid and must demonstrate a need for ongoing service (as opposed to incidental service coordination). Those who successfully qualify are given a "waiver" deeming them eligible to participate.

Also eligible for TBI services are people who have suffered a stroke and cancer patients who, as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have sustained brain damage.

For help in determining the eligibility of an individual for these services, please contact the nearest Epilepsy Foundation office; our social workers will work with you to make this determination.

  • Rochester (585) 442-4430 or toll-free (800) 724-7930
  • Syracuse (315) 473-6974 or toll-free (877) 214-7715
  • Binghamton (607) 723-4203

 

Why utilize TBI services from the Epilepsy Foundation?

It's true that conditions such as traumatic or acquired brain injury as well as stroke are not epilepsy, yet there are many striking similarities in their symptoms and in the kinds of services those afflicted may need.   

  • Fifty percent of individuals with brain injuries will experience seizures at some point in their lives. 
  • Many will need options in the way of housing and support to live independently.
  • Many may seek employment services.
  • Their families will likely benefit from support groups.

All of these areas are within the Epilepsy Foundation's expertise and experience.

In addition, the Epilepsy Foundation has a local professional advisory board made up of neurologists and other health professionals with experience in neurological issues, so we are attuned to the latest developments in treatment and patient support. 

Community Integration Counseling

CIC assists the waiver participant in managing and overcoming the difficulties of living with brain injury.  CIC is also available to a participant's family and to others who interact directly with the participant.  Services are provided in a participant's home, in settings out in the community, and in a service provider's office.  CIC involves a licensed social worker and an individual/couple/family talking about and exploring issues such as stress management, communications, language, relationships, parenting, vocational issues, and anger management. This form of counseling has been shown to be beneficial to all involved.

Independent Living Skills Training

ILST is a service designed to help improve the overall ability of a brain-injured individual to live and function as independently as possible.  An ILS trainer will work with an individual to assess function and then use this assessment to develop a plan that addresses issues such as budgeting, organization, socialization, and problem solving.  An ILS trainer works one-on-one to build and implement these skills, typically for ten hours a week. 

Intensive Behavioral Programs

These programs work to decrease a participant's severe maladaptive behaviors that may interfere with his or her ability to remain integrated in the community. The Intensive Behavioral Program first involves a comprehensive assessment and the development of a structured plan that teaches socially appropriate behaviors and eliminates maladaptive ones.

Along with implementation of the plan and its specific programs  - which may be provided in the participant's home or in a setting in the community  – ongoing training and supervision of the participant, family members, other caregivers and service providers is offered.  The plan is assessed periodically so adjustments can be made.

Medicaid Service Coordination/Case Management

Similar to the way assistance is given to families who are caring for a child or adult with a developmental disability and epilepsy, service coordination and case management are provided to individuals with traumatic brain injury. Staff assist in identifying and obtaining needed community services to help them care for their family member in their home.  Case management staff can address such issues as finding and signing up for clinical services, financial assistance, primary health care, and housing.

In addition, people with TBI may utilize other Epilepsy Foundation services such as Employment Solutions.

To pursue any and all of these services, and for help in determining Medicaid eligibility, please contact your nearest Epilepsy Foundation office during regular business hours.

  • Rochester (585) 442-4430 or toll-free (800) 724-7930
  • Syracuse (315) 473-6974 or toll-free (877) 214-7715
  • Binghamton (607) 723-4203