About brain injury

Written by Irene Haslinghuis, activity supervisor at the Kalorama Foundation

About two years ago I first came to Peter (not his real name). Peter lived on the Frasselt, a department for people who need intensive care and for people with low consciousness. I have been an activity supervisor for over thirty years, yet this was my first introduction to a department where people mainly stay in their own room. Peter had serious lung problems and non-congenital brain damage. His wife came by every day. Together they could leave the department, but Peter didn't like to be among people. Every day alone in that room, confronted with a body that functions poorly, pain, sadness, powerlessness, loneliness, misunderstanding, fear, dependence. Friends stayed away and too much effort meant enormous fatigue and even more bad days. Very confrontational. I called it 'silent poverty' at the time.

Paint
I had agreed with Peter to come by at a fixed time every week and look for opportunities to literally give his day color and distraction. Painting seemed like something to him.

I soon found out which technique and which materials suited him and how he could work as independently as possible. With a clear start and conclusion: first massage the hands and afterwards clean the hands with a warm cloth. A beautiful ritual. While painting, his favorite music was on. It reminded him of the time when he was doing odd jobs at home. And in the end it also resulted in nice conversations about the wishes he still had. With peace, space, time, short words, targeted closed questions and especially by paying close attention to the non-verbal reactions you will find out. Peter loved to paint and his wife was also enthusiastic. It gave her more space to organize her own time. Peter was able to finish the painting and give it to dear family members. A nice farewell gift and a valuable keepsake.

Cineveste: a cinema at home
Responding to the questions, needs and interests of the residents in collaboration with the informal caregiver, colleagues and especially starting from someone's possibilities. That's what it's all about.

This is also how CineVeste was born: a cinema in the house. With a large screen, the vibrations of the sound can be felt, in a dark room that smells like popcorn. The ultimate cinema experience!

Residents select a film together (via email). One resident makes a nice poster, another arranges the date and time together with an employee and yet another arranges the groceries. The cinema can also be a good, targeted stimulus for people with a very low level of consciousness. A slow nature film or a Dutch spoken film. With bright colors, moving images and sometimes beautiful music. Looking at the big screen together and experiencing the intensity of the stimuli, with a smile and a tear.

Every beautiful moment is one
There are so many possibilities and resources to help our residents today. It does take a lot of time to discover what it does to them. Our home cinema also sometimes causes unrest and the reaction can vary greatly in these vulnerable people. With one of our residents, it is unclear which stimuli come in and how he experiences them. Surprising to see how he is touched by a humorous action film. He leaves the house with a smile, we had never experienced that before! But listening to favorite music together and looking at old photos on the IPad is also possible. Or reminisce about beautiful memories together and have meaningful conversations about them. In the living room we organize communal activities such as Open Studio, Brain Trainer or Experience Table. Every beautiful moment is one and it remains important to observe and register all reactions.

Positive experience with wellness
One day a week, colleague Angelien Sekewaël comes by for wellness activities such as massage and grooming. Where necessary, people receive targeted sensory stimulation and support. Angelien takes the time to set the other person in motion or to let them experience passively, depending on the need. She gets a lot of positive reactions and every week I get to hear the most beautiful moments from her. By treating them correctly and being aware of stimuli, they can support people in experiencing. By registering observation and reactions, our findings can be taken into account in a targeted way in dealing with the resident. Especially when it comes to hot or cold sensations, gentle holding or light pressure, caressing or massaging.

We can make a difference
In this way, we always respond to the moment, gauge the need and look for possibilities. By visiting people regularly, taking the time and with the necessary peace and quiet, we build a relationship of trust and offer a recognizable, positive moment of the day or week. Especially with very vulnerable people, activity supervisors can make a difference. What a beautiful profession we have!

With thanks to and permission from all those involved