Brain injury rehab Never stop fighting
Jason sustained a brain injury five days after his 18th birthday when he was involved in a car accident. The accident left him hospitalised for several months; he was un able to breathe independently and had severe front lobe damage as well as other life changing injuries.
Jason was in a coma for several weeks before slowly showing signs of improvement. Despite being told he may not be able to walk again, he began to use his legs more often and rely less on the use of a wheelchair. Jason was determined to get better and was dedicated to his journey to recovery.
Jason soon moved back into his home with his parents, who devoted their lives to supporting his everyday needs. They ensured he had everything he wanted and needed to make him happy. He would spend a lot of time going on holidays, going for a beer, playing in the garden or walking the dogs. But sadly, Jason lost both his parents within the following years. He was now living alone and not coping. It was then decided he would be best in a care setting.
Welcoming Jason to Woodlands
We were pleased to have Jason join us as a resident at Woodlands – a specialist brain injury care home. He was the first person to call our brand-new bungalow ‘home’. At first, it was all new to him and he didn’t like the idea of change and unfortunately this had a huge impact on his behaviour. He became difficult to reason with at this time, his behaviour was unpredictable, and he was verbally challenging. Our team at Woodlands did everything they could give him reassurance and make him feel at home. Anthea Russell, Service Manager, told us, “I would get a call two or three times a week in the middle of the night to say Jason has gone walkabouts. I would get dressed and drive 20 miles to work and go look for him. Jason would get in my car and we would go and have a cup of tea in his bungalow. He just needed a bit of reassurance and TLC.”
Jason began to get much better and he was back on his road to recovery. He soon had capacity to make his own decisions and come and go safely from his new home. He would go to the gym, the cinema, shopping in town and before we knew it, his new life had begun.
Never give up
Jason always had a passionate for Karate. Prior to the accident, he attended lots of classes that lead him to achieve his two Senior Dan black belts. Following the accident his parents felt it was best to get rid of anything that relates to karate. This was done to save Jason the hurt of not being able to do it anymore.
However, after realising it was something Jason was still interested in, his staff suggested he got back into his Karate. Although initially he was reluctant, he decided he would give it a go. Jason was supported and encouraged to begin engaging in the sport the he once loved.
Jason picked up where he left off and to his surprise, it was his old Karate teacher still running the classes. Jason was in his element, his GEE bought, and new belts ordered, he soon looked the part.
Jason worked so incredibly hard and he gained his 3rd Senior Black belt in Karate! And it doesn’t stop there, he then went on to complete his qualification to become a Karate Tutor. Jason now runs classes alongside his previous teacher, in doing so he is continuing to develop his confidence, knowledge, behaviour and maturity as a respected adult.
Jason told us “I was delighted to return to Karate after joining Woodlands”.
Jason has also developed a flair for art. He has produced some incredible pieces of work that have been displayed around the home, made into cards, coasters and calendars!
Anthea says “Jason is happy with his new self and new life since joining us at Woodlands. His journey has been extremely tough, but he is so strong and has achieved so much. We are all so proud of his achievements.”
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