Acquired Brain Disorder Services
Brain injuries can be as varied as the individuals who sustain them. Recovery may be rapid and complete, or it may take time and result in a range of impairments, from mild to severe. One Sky assists individuals with brain injuries to pursue the best course of recovery and locate needed supports. Acquired brain disorder services are intended for residents* of New Hampshire who incurred brain injuries after the age of 21 and before the age of 60, according to NH State Rule He-M 522.
There are two types of supports for persons found eligible for Acquired Brain Disorder Services:
- Time-limited Service Coordination
- Comprehensive individualized services. (Applicant must qualify for Medicaid and be found eligible by the NH Bureau of Developmental Services for skilled nursing care or specialized inpatient rehabilitative services.)
To learn about eligibility and intake, go to Eligibility Info.
To arrange for an intake, please contact our Adult Intake Coordinator.
*Resident is defined as: "a person who has a place of abode ... in this state ... and who has ... demonstrated a current intent to designate that place of abode his principal place of physical presence ..." [RSA 21:6]
Services for Adults Living at Home
Family Support
Family Services are designed to improve the quality of life for the entire family and to maintain each family's right to identify its needs and direct how supports are provided. Rather than expecting families to fit into an existing program, we work with each one to meet particular needs. Services and Supports include:
Service Coordination
Provided to families who would benefit from ongoing help and support. Our Family Services Adult Service Coordinator works with caregivers who have an adult family member living at home, and understands the special challenges of caring for loved ones as they age. Supports are developed to meet the needs of both caretakers and individuals with disabilities.
Assistance through the Family Support Advisory Council
The Family Support Advisory Council (FSAC) consists of volunteer caregivers from the communities of Region VIII who live with family members with a wide range of disabilities. The council meets monthly to discuss issues confronting families like their own, to offer suggestions, help to identify and prioritize local families' support needs and offer financial assistance. Funds may be available for needs related to the individual with a disability or for:
- Camperships: For summer camps and other structured summer time activities. Funding is limited and varies with availability.
- YMCA Passes: Families may obtain quarterly passes to the Portsmouth YMCA free of charge.
- Family Support Conference: For families interested in attending the annual N.H. Family Support Conference.
- Family Events: Social events where families can network while having fun. Included are a fall hayride and pumpkin picking, and an evening of karaoke.
- Environmental Modifications: Adaptations to the family's home or vehicle to ensure access, health and safety for the individual with a disability and the caregiver.
- Respitality: Primary caregivers take a break from the demanding daily routine in the comfort of a host hotel. More than 4,300 New Hampshire parents have received respitality.
One Sky is fortunate to have guidance from the FSAC on our Board of Directors as well as our Strategic Planning Committees. The FSAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the One Sky office at 6:30 p.m.
Parent to Parent Connections
One Sky helps families connect for mutual support, information and understanding. We seek to find family matches locally or by accessing a statewide data base. Once connected, families decide together how best to support each other.
For more information about the above services, please contact our Family Services Adult Service Coordinator, or check our Family Support Newsletter.
Respite Care
Short-term relief for families from the responsibilities of caring for a family member living at home. Care may be provided in the home of the family, the caregiver, or in the community. The number of respite hours varies depending on the level of complexity of the individual's care. Financial assistance is based on a sliding scale.
We encourage families to recruit their own providers, but will assist them if necessary.
To learn more about respite care, please contact our Respite Coordinator.
What One Sky has done for me: Donna's story