Transforming Lives through Proper Post-Injury Support
Brain injuries have the potential to disrupt lives in unimaginable ways, leaving individuals and their families struggling to adjust to new realities. Despite the complexities of recovery, support for brain injury survivors in Ireland often falls short. However, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland is determined to change this narrative, urging the Government to allocate €2 million in Budget 2026 to fund a National Brain Injury Case Management Service. This initiative could revolutionise the post-injury recovery process for thousands in Ireland.
Why a National Case Management Service Matters
Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs) happen due to traumatic events like accidents or internal conditions such as strokes or infections. Recovery is often a drawn-out and difficult process involving not just medical intervention but also emotional and practical support.
Currently, Ireland’s availability of specialist brain injury case managers is hampered by a so-called “Eircode lottery,” where access to vital services varies drastically depending on location. ABI Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2026 envisions an end to this disparity by implementing a national case management service to provide cohesive rehabilitation and reintegration support.
What will €2 million accomplish?
This funding would enable 20 new Brain Injury Case Managers to provide nationwide support. These managers will play the pivotal role of acting as a single point of contact for survivors and their families, ensuring they receive the guidance and services they desperately need.
Dr Karen Foley, CEO of ABI Ireland, highlights the importance of this service, emphasising its potential to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and community reintegration while supporting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
A Proven Model for Life-Changing Results
The case management model has already been tested and validated by ABI Ireland, consistently delivering positive outcomes. Survivors placed under the care of dedicated case managers often experience greater independence, improved mental well-being, and reduced reliance on hospital resources.
For example, Tony Baker, a stroke survivor, shared how a case manager helped him transition from isolation to community reintegration. Tony now attends the ABI Ireland Clubhouse in Navan, where he found both camaraderie and purpose. Stories like Tony’s prove that proper case management isn’t just efficient; it’s genuinely transformational.
“There’s no miracle cure for brain injury, but with the right help, you can rebuild your life,” says Tony. “I’ll never forget what Kate [his case manager] and the team did for me.”
Addressing Critical Gaps in Post-Injury Care
Independent reports, such as the Ombudsman’s 2021 report, ‘Wasted Lives,’ reveal stark statistics reinforcing ABI Ireland’s call to action. For example, over 1,300 individuals under the age of 65 are currently living in nursing homes due to the lack of appropriate services.
A funded case management system would support these individuals by transitioning them into environments better suited to their needs. This isn’t just a social responsibility but also a way to free up valuable resources within the healthcare system.
Legal and Emotional Support for ABI Survivors
Alongside calls for systemic reform, organisations like HOMS Assist also play a crucial role in supporting brain injury survivors. When an ABI occurs due to negligence, navigating the legal pathway to justice can feel overwhelming. HOMS Assist specialises in helping survivors advocate for their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
How HOMS Assist Supports Brain Injury Survivors
- Expert Legal Representation: Specialising in traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries.
- Empathetic Guidance: Providing emotional support alongside legal advice.
- Proven Track Record: HOMS Assist consistently achieves successful outcomes, ensuring survivors receive the funds needed for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Whether you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to negligence, contacting HOMS Assist can be the first step toward securing justice.
Community Rehabilitation is the Future
The benefits of community-driven rehabilitation can’t be overstated. From enhancing survivors’ quality of life to alleviating pressure on acute care facilities, ABI Ireland’s strategy is both compassionate and practical.
No survivor should feel lost or unsupported after leaving the hospital. Instead, everyone should have access to a dedicated point of contact to help them regain control over their life.
Time to Take Action
The proposed €2 million investment in Budget 2026 has far-reaching implications—not only for individual survivors but for Ireland’s healthcare system as a whole. It addresses pressing gaps in care, delivers life-changing results, and honours Ireland’s commitment to upholding human rights.
Both organisations like ABI Ireland and HOMS Assist are paving paths towards a more compassionate and effective support system for brain injury survivors. But funding is the key to turning this vision into a reality.
For survivors and families affected by brain injuries, know that you are not alone. Explore HOMS Assist to understand your legal options and rights. Advocating for investment, justice, and support ensures that every survivor gets the chance they deserve to rebuild their lives.