Cognitive rehabilitation
Practical strategies for memory, attention and executive skills, using tools such as phone reminders, planners, checklists and step-by-step routines practised in real tasks.
Brain injury rehabilitation occupational therapy
Occupational therapy for children and adults living with acquired or traumatic brain injury, working on the cognitive, practical and social side of everyday life at home, in education, at work and in the community.
- Acquired and traumatic brain injury
- Children and adults
- Case-managed and litigation clients
- Home and community based
Request a quote
Tell us a little about what you need and we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
The hidden effects of brain injury on daily life
An acquired brain injury is any damage to the brain that happens after birth, whether from a traumatic injury such as a road collision, fall or assault, or from causes such as haemorrhage, infection or lack of oxygen. Some people have obvious physical difficulties. Many others look well but struggle with fatigue, memory, concentration, planning, motivation, irritability or reduced awareness of their own difficulties.
These hidden effects tend to surface in ordinary life: bills left unpaid, meals forgotten, a return to work that falls apart after a few weeks, or friendships that quietly drift. Private Occupational Therapy focuses on exactly these areas, helping people rebuild routines, skills and confidence in the settings where they live, learn and work.
Who it's for
Who brain injury occupational therapy is for
The service works with adults, young people and children after acquired or traumatic brain injury, from early discharge home through to many years after the injury.
Families often get in touch when someone is home but not coping as expected. Case managers, solicitors and deputies can refer clients as part of a rehabilitation package, and some adults with milder injuries contact us themselves when difficulties at work or home have not been picked up elsewhere. Brain injury sits within our wider neurological rehabilitation service.
Difficulties we commonly help with
- Fatigue and reduced stamina
- Memory, attention and planning
- Starting and finishing tasks
- Managing money, meals and the household
- Structuring the day and week
- Returning to education, work or study
- Getting out and rebuilding a social life
Therapy approaches
What brain injury rehabilitation includes
Programmes combine several approaches, weighted around the person's goals and the effects of their injury.
Routines and fatigue management
A balanced weekly structure that spreads demanding activities, builds in rest and gradually increases what someone can manage.
Independent living skills
Cooking, budgeting, shopping, medication routines and household management, practised at home with the right level of support.
Community reintegration
Graded practice with travel, leisure, volunteering and social activities, building towards education or work where that is a goal.
Assessment after an acquired or traumatic brain injury
Assessment looks at how the injury affects real activity, so much of it involves watching someone carry out familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal or planning a trip, rather than relying on questionnaires alone. Standardised assessments are used where they add useful information. Because reduced insight is common after brain injury, the therapist also gathers views from family, carers and other professionals, with consent.
The result is a clear written report describing strengths, difficulties and risks, with goals and recommendations for therapy, support and equipment. Where several professionals are involved, goals are set so they fit alongside psychology, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy input.
Children and young people
For children, the focus is on family routines, play, self-care and school. The therapist can visit school, advise staff on fatigue and classroom strategies, and contribute to EHCP and school assessments where a child needs extra support. Needs often change as a child develops, so periodic review is built in.
Case-managed and litigation clients
Many people with a brain injury receive rehabilitation through a personal injury or clinical negligence claim. Private Occupational Therapy works as part of case-managed teams, providing clear goals, regular progress updates and reports that case managers, deputies and solicitors can rely on. Communication with the wider team is agreed at the outset so everyone knows what to expect.
Where a claim needs independent evidence, we also prepare medico-legal and care needs reports covering care, equipment, accommodation and therapy needs. Professional referrers can find more on our page for professionals.
Support at home, in the community and at work
Therapy takes place where difficulties actually happen: at home, in local shops and leisure centres, on public transport, at school or college and in the workplace. Sessions across Newcastle and the North East are mainly face to face, with video used for planning, check-ins or family meetings where helpful.
Returning to work after brain injury often needs careful pacing. The therapist can analyse job demands, advise on adjustments and support a graded return with the employer, linked to our vocational rehabilitation service. Funding may come from self-funding, insurance, a legal claim or a public body; our fees and funding page explains the options.
Getting started
How brain injury rehabilitation starts
Referral or enquiry
Families, clients or professionals send brief details of the injury, current concerns and anyone already involved.
Initial conversation
A discussion to understand priorities, agree the scope of work and provide a quote.
Assessment and report
A functional assessment at home or in the community, followed by a written report and goals.
Rehabilitation and review
Regular sessions with progress reviews shared with the client, family and wider team.
FAQs
Brain injury occupational therapy FAQs
Can you help if the brain injury happened years ago?
Yes. Many people seek help long after the injury, often when life changes or when difficulties at work or home become harder to manage. The assessment starts from where things are now.
Do you work with case managers and solicitors?
Yes. Private Occupational Therapy works within case-managed rehabilitation and provides goals, progress updates and reports to suit the needs of the claim and the team.
Do you work with children after a brain injury?
Yes. Children and young people are seen at home and in school, with close involvement from parents and education staff.
What if the person does not think they need help?
Reduced awareness is common after brain injury. The therapist works respectfully with the person, focusing on goals that matter to them, and involves family and professionals to build a full picture.
Do you also help after a stroke?
Yes. Stroke is a form of acquired brain injury, and our stroke rehabilitation page describes that service in more detail.
Discuss brain injury rehabilitation
Send us a few details about the person, the injury and the current situation, and we will reply with the next steps and a quote.