The effects of brain injury vary and can be complex. Putting the puzzle together is easier with the help of others. For this reason I’ve gathered pieces of information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. 
Also included are notes from last months meeting’s in case you missed it and upcoming events to mark on your calendar. I have listed links to useful websites. If you have an activity, announcements or other information you’d like to share in this newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY
July 11, 2017– Brain Injury Alliance Support Group for Adults, 6-8 p.m. Meets every 2nd Tuesday monthly at Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, SLC, UT 84123. This is a social group where dinner is enjoyed together and then games played or crafts made. All caregivers and survivors are welcome. For more information call: Jennifer (801) 386-2195 or Beth (801) 585-5511.
July 20, 2017 – Intermountain Healthcare Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday monthly usually at (IMC) 5171 S., Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1 Murray, UT 84107. This month the Caregivers and Survivors will combine for the annual summer picnic at 5:30-8 p.m. This year Wasatch Adaptive Sports is hosting at 9385 S. Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, UT 84092. There will be free tram rides and fishing! Intermountain will provide sandwiches, water, and paper goods. Please bring a side dish to share.
July 27, 2017 – University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group 7 p.m. Meets every 4th Tuesday monthly at Sugarhouse Health Center, 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. Call Ryan Pello for questions at (801) 581-2221
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS
offered through
INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY SERVICES
Aphasia Talking Practice Group – Meets every Tuesday Noon-1 p.m. 5770 South 250 East #G50
Meditation Group – Meets every Wednesday 3 p.m. 5770 South 250 East Cafeteria Conference Room
Cognitive Skills Group – Meets every Thursday Noon-1 p.m. 5770 South 250 East #G50
Contact: Dr. Russo at antonietta.russo@imail.org
Epilepsy Groups for those affected by seizures.
Together we share coping strategies, provide encouragement, comfort and advice from people with common experiences. For more information contact Margo at (801)455-6089 or Utah@efa.org
July 6, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Parents 7:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Meets every 1st Thursday of the month Riverton Library Auditorium 12877 S. 1830 W., Riverton, UT.
July 13, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for All Effected by Seizures 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1, Ninth Floor, Murray, UT.
July 19, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for All Effected by Seizures 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S., SLC, UT (2nd floor conference room).
July 26, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Teens 7 p.m. Will meet the 4th Wednesday monthly at the West Jordan Library, 8030 So. 1825 W., West Jordan, UT. There will be two teachers overseeing this group. Come to enjoy an activity and meet other teens with epilepsy.
July 27, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Women Only 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Meets every 4th Thursday of the month SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S. (3rd floor conference room)
JUNE’S MEETING NOTES FOR:
THE BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE SUPPORT GROUP for ADULTS, located at the Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, Murray, UT 84107. Met Tuesday, June 13, 2017, we had a luau. The Hawaiian feast was delicious as we enjoyed visiting about our individual summer plans. After dinner there were some activities available, while others choose to visit. Thank you Jennifer Gee and Beth Cardell for doing a great job directing this group. For more information call Jennifer (801) 468-0027 or Beth (801) 585-5511.
SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS EDUCATION, located at Intermountain Medical Center 5171 S, Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1, Murray, UT 84107.
Caregivers met in the conference room on the 7th Floor and received tips from Kerrie Neu on how to replenish, recharge and renew. She shared with us what has worked for her and other caregivers she interviewed. The presentation was helpful in igniting ideas to meet our personal needs. For more details, click on the green links.
Survivors met in the conference room on the 9th Floor. Thanks Greg Nordfelt for sharing your notes.
The topic was Fun in the Sun, presented by Wasatch Adaptive Sports. Jake Thelen, Program Specialist, introduced their programs and said they focus on increasing independence and mobility in a social environment. They believe in the development of ability and active living through recreation for individuals with adaptive needs and their families. Through personalized assessments and instruction, along with adaptive equipment, they work together to achieve your goals and experience the outdoors without limitations.
Wasatch has three rehab physicians, three physical therapists and up to 30 event employees and therapists to assist in events as needed. Jake said they keep participant to therapist levels as close to one to one as possible so that survivors are protected and have an absolutely wonderful experience with their activities.
Jake said they have never had a participant not be able to perform the activity they’ve been approved to participate in! Wasatch Adaptive Sports serves approximately 800 to 1,000 survivors per year.
Wasatch have a special relationship with Snowbird and their headquarters is located at 9385 S Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, Utah 84092. They have access to a fishing pond at Snowbird that is one of their most popular sites. They also provide activities during each week at Jordan River Parkway, Provo, Liberty Park and Sugarhouse Park.
Jake agreed to host our combined TBI Survivor & Caregiver Support Group annual summer picnic in July and have an activity at the headquarters at Snowbird Utah (instead of a local park in Salt Lake where or annual summer picnics are usually held). This was a very gracious offer and we were all very excited to change venues this year!
For more information see Wasatch website: wasatchadaptivesports.org
University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group, located at Sugarhouse Health Center 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. They met Wednesday, June 27, 2017 at 7pm. Christina Derbidge, Ph.D gave the presentation on the grieving process. Unfortunately, I missed this group and hearing the advice, tips and support on this important subject. I wish I could have been there and able to share some notes.
BIAU Family & Professionals Annual Conference
Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: 8am – 5pm
Place: Davis Conference Center, 1651 No. 700 W. Layton, UT 84041
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.caregiver.org (online webinars for caregivers)
http://www.tbicommunity.org (online educational programs)
http://www.braininjury.com (medical, legal, information resource)
http://www.abta.org (brain tumor education and information)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi (brain injury facts, programs, education)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/all-disorders (education for brain injury, stroke and other neurological disorders)
http://www.msktc.org/tbi (TBI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center) national leaders in TBI research and patient care.
http://www.epilepsy.com/utah and/or http://www.epilepsy.com (seizure education and support by state or national)
https://biau.org (resource for those with brain injury)
http://www.brainline.org (preventing, treating and living with TBI)
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass (free pass to National Parks & Federal Land Agency areas)
https://wildlife.utah.gov/watchable-wildlife-for-disabled.html (watchable wildlife for disabled persons)
http://slco.org/adaptive/plus-one-pass (Salt Lake County Disability Plus One Pass)
https://twilightinsight.wordpress.com/hobbies/hobbies-for-healing-the-brain/tbi-and-selecting-a-hobby (select a hobby – ideas especially for TBI survivors)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
http://wanderookie.com/blog/2015/07/27/12-beautiful-wheelchair-accessible-trails-in-utah
(wheelchair accessible trails in Utah)
https://www.visitutah.com/Media/Default/One%20Sheeters/Accessible_Utah_web.pdf (list of accessible resources)
wasatchadaptivesports.org (Wasatch Adaptive Sports)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
https://www.meetup.com (meet up groups)
SHARING WEBSITES:
Laptops http://www.brainline.org/abbymaslin (blog about loving and learning after TBI)
http://www.unitingcaregivers.wordpress.com (caregivers sharing stories, tips and thoughts)
http://www.facebook.com/UTteensupportgroup (social interaction and the exchange useful resources)
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