The effects of brain injury can be complicated and may cause feelings of isolation. Associating with others in similar circumstances can be refreshing. For this reason I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. I also included notes from last month’s meetings in case you missed it. Please check out the upcoming events and mark your calendar for the BIAU Annual Conference. Also included are 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
August 8, 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 social group will enjoy pizza and root beer floats followed by card games this month. All caregivers and survivors are welcome. For more information call: Jennifer (801) 386-2195 or Beth (801) 585-5511.
August 17, 2017 – Intermountain Healthcare Brain Injury and Stroke Education Group, 7-8 p.m. Meets every 3rd Thursday monthly at Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) 5171 S., Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1 Murray, UT 84107.
Caregivers meet in the conference room on the 7thFloor. 
This months topic: Mind, Body and Spirit. Five Simple ways to increase physical and emotional well-being by Dr. Kimberly O. Sieber, Psychologist phD. We’ll be discussing a variety of strategies known for their medical and psychological health benefits and can easily be incorporated into the busy life of a caregiver.
Survivors meet in the conference room on the 9thFloor.
Topic: Vision After Brain Injury or Stroke.
August 22, 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
August 3, 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.
August 10, 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.
August 16, 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).
August 24, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Teens 7 p.m. Will meet the 4th Thursday 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.
August 24, 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)
THE BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE SUPPORT GROUP for ADULTS MEETING NOTES
Sanderson Community Deaf Center located 5709 South 1500 West, Murray, UT 84107
Tuesday, July 11, 2017, a good time was had by those in attendance. Dinner was provided while others brought treats and drinks to share. Summer olympic games followed dinner. 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 MEETING NOTES
Intermountain Medical Center 5171 S, Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1, Murray, UT 84107
Jake at Wasatch Adaptive Sports hosted our annual survivor’s and caregiver’s summer picnic, so this month we met at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. We enjoyed a wonderful evening in the cooler temperatures of the beautiful mountains of Little Cottonwood Canyon on Thursday, July 20, 2017. All in attendance were refreshed by the smell of pine trees and clean mountain air. We ate sandwiches and a variety of side dishes, which were brought by those in attendance. A wheelchair accessible walk and/or ride in a tram up to the top of the mountain was available for those interested. Some chose to stay and visit in the picnic area. Thanks Wasatch Adaptive Sports for a wonderful evening!
Check out their website for programs, http://wasatchadaptivesports.org
“Why Adaptive Recreation? Regular physical activity is essential for the maintenance of normal muscle strength, flexibility, and joint structure and function and may slow the functional decline often associated with disabling conditions. Adequate levels of muscular strength and endurance are associated with increased bone mass, reduction in injury from falls, and an increased ability to complete daily activities. The primary goals for increasing physical activity in individuals with disabilities are to reverse secondary effects of impaired mobility, optimize physical functioning, and enhance overall well-being.”
UTAH PURPLE TALENT SHOW
Date: August 12, 2017
Time: Noon – 2pm
Place: Salt Lake Acting Company
Tickets: $3.00
Proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Utah.
SEIZE THE NIGHT – UTAH 5K RUN/WALK
“Come lace up your shoes, crack open your glow sticks and get ready for an electrifying 5K Run/Walk! It will be a unique and enlightening night time event, aimed at raising epilepsy awareness in Utah. Be ready to light up the dance floor as you cross the finish line.”
Date: September 16, 2017
Time: 6pm
Place: Sugar House Park, Big Field Pavilion
Registration: $25.00
Register yourself or your team today! Raise money and awareness to help people in Utah living with epilespy. Register at www.epilepsy.com/utah
BIAU
FAMILY & PROFESSIONALS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Building Connections for a Brighter Tomorrow.
Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: 8am – 5pm
Place: Davis Conference Center, 1651 No. 700 W. Layton, UT 84041
Registration: $40 for members/ $50 for non members and includes lunch. Scholarships available.
See https://biau.org/events/ for conference details and registration information. “Attendees will learn how individuals with brain injury build connections. Topics will include: Social Skills, Rehabilitation Process, Cognitive Strategies, Technology/App use, Caregiver/Survivor Lessons, ADA, Social Security & Patient Rights, Classroom Executive Functioning, Concussion and Return to Activity/School”
UTAH GRIZZLIES EPILEPSY AWARENESS HOCKEY GAME
Date: October 21, 2017
Time: 7 pm
Place: Maverik Center – West Valley City
Tickets: $10 – $20
You can get your tickets at www.epilepsy.com/utah . “The attendees will be receiving epilepsy information throughout the evening, and the team will be wearing and auctioning the jerseys specially made for this game. Mark your calendar and bring your friends.”
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)
Thank you for reading. I hope you found the information helpful and will follow this website via email to receive notifications of every new post. The “Follow” button is located at the beginning of the newsletter. However, if you want to subscribe only to a monthly newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com. I will add you to the newsletter email list and send you the link monthly.
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What a good idea! That is a lot of resources. Wonderful! Mom
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks! 🙂
I absolutely love this newsletter! All of the links and groups going on are such a use to this community! Thank you Barbara!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading Laura!