Working with individuals who have insight into their limitations
Having insight into our behaviour is something that we refine into adulthood. Insight allows us to understand our behaviour, see the challenges we face and enables us to identify our needs and make changes ourselves. Equally, it allows us to ask for help in finding solutions or implement strategies that will better the situation.
Individuals who have sustained a brain injury can often experience changes in personality, mood and behaviour. We help those individuals learn new skills and correctly problem solve how to respond in given situations. We share our knowledge to help individuals understand their emotions and what triggers them, and recognise how emotions, such as anxiety, anger or sadness can have a negative impact on their ability to achieve goals.
Working with individuals who have no insight into their limitations
Brain injury can result in some individuals having little understanding regarding how they have changed or how to control their behaviour. This lack of insight can create significant problems and barriers for individuals, especially in relation to social integration, being able to move forward with rehabilitation goals or in developing independent living skills.
Behaviour change may be so significant and enduring that it impacts on the wellbeing of others. This can be particularly disruptive within a family home.
Creating change in behaviour is a complex process and must be considered holistically. We reflect on how an individual’s previous lifestyle, personality, values, beliefs, activities and routines influence their behaviour. We analyse the environmental influences and what might be contributing to the challenging behaviour. Our specialist risk assessment, ‘Threats to Others’, considers where behaviour is particularly challenging and is used to inform the production of bespoke care plans.