Traumatic Brain Injury FAQs
Am I Eligible for the TBI Waiver?
To be eligible for Traumatic Brain Injury Program the person must:
Be a Vermont Resident
People age 16 or older diagnosed with a moderate to severe brain injury.
Recipients of traditional and/or long-term Vermont Medicaid.
Diagnosed with a documented recent moderate to severe brain injury resulting in residual deficits and disability.
Individuals must demonstrate the ability to benefit from rehabilitation and the potential for independent living.
Requires 1:1 instruction focusing on independent living.
Demonstrates potential for independent living and the possibility of returning to vocational activities.
What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
An ABI is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth and is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. The injury commonly results in a change in neuronal activity, which affects the physical integrity, the metabolic activity, or the functional ability of the cell. The term does not refer to brain injuries induced by birth trauma.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
TBI is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature but caused by an external physical force, that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.
What are the symptoms of a Brain Injury?
Symptoms of a mild brain injury or concussion include:
Low-grade headache that won’t go away
Having more trouble than usual remembering things, paying attention or concentrating, organizing daily tasks, or making decisions and solving problems
Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting or reading
Getting lost or easily confused
Feeling tired all the time, lack of energy or motivation
Change in sleep pattern, sleeping much longer than before, having trouble sleeping
Loss of balance, feeling light-headed or dizzy
Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, distractions
Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
Loss of sense of taste or smell
Ringing in the ears
Change in sexual drive
Mood changes like feeling sad, anxious, or listless, or becoming easily irritated or angry for little or no reason
A person with a moderate or severe TBI may also have:
A headache that gets worse or does not go away
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Convulsions or seizures
Inability to wake up from sleep
Dilation of one or both pupils
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Loss of coordination
Increased confusion, restlessness or agitation
Choices for Care: Adult Family Care FAQs
Who is eligible to be in an AFC Home?
Anyone who is eligible for Choices for Care (meets both financial and clinical criteria, be a VT resident, be 65 + or 18 with a physical disability)
How is the training for home providers done?
The Authorized Agency determines the training needs for a Home Provider. Training may be through different media such as the Alzheimer’s Association, various on-line applications (self-study), webinars and conferences and will correlate to the participant’s needs and circumstances. DAIL will continue to work with the AA’s to further develop or identify training opportunities.
Is the home provider stipend-tax free?
Yes. In order to qualify for the tax free stipend, home providers must contract with an authorized agency.
What Vermont state programs are available to me?
Vermont Health Connect is a way to choose a health plan that fits your needs and your budget. Both private and public plans are available.
Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living’s mission is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability – with dignity, respect and independence.
The Department of Mental Health oversees the publicly-funded community-based and inpatient services to Vermonters to ensure early intervention and mental health treatment and supports as needed to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.
The Department of Health programs and initiatives help Vermonters live fuller, healthier lives from birth through old age. Focusing on prevention, one of the best investments that can be made in health. Promoting healthy behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, having regular physical activity, and not smoking or abusing alcohol or other drugs.
The Vermont 2-1-1 database contains detailed descriptions of programs and services available to Vermonters that are provided by local community groups, social service and health-related agencies, government organizations, and others.
Brain Injury Association of VT