New Smart Phone Technology to Support those with Traumatic Brain Injury
6th March 2019
Over a million people in the UK are living with the long-term effects of an acquired or traumatic brain injury. These include a wide range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges which can impact on independence and confidence engaging in every day routines.
As we are becoming more and more reliant upon our smart phones for the smooth running of our everyday –why not utilise this in those living with a traumatic brain injury?
The new app Brain In Hand aims to do exactly that!
Brain in Hand is the new personalised support available through your mobile phone. It provides personalised support for a range of mental health conditions and learning disabilities which can be used on smart phones, tablets and computers.
Alongside a professional trainer, the user starts with a session to discuss and set the goals they have and identify what practical solutions will help them overcome the challenges they come across in their daily routine. The app is then downloaded onto the desired platform and set up uniquely for the individual. Features include a diary to ensure that important activities are not forgotten by providing prompts and reminders. Self-management features to reduce anxiety are set up into the app including coping strategies and solutions personal to the user for easy access when needed. Not only this but this new software also boasts a ‘in-built anxiety monitor’, and an option to ask for extra help 24/7.
Although this app was primarily developed for those with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, it is also incredibly supportive for a range of mental health and learning disabilities- including those with a traumatic brain injury. More specifically, University of Nottingham have launched a study working with Brain in Hand to develop and apply the app even further to help those with a traumatic brain injury. Their aim is to adapt the features to allow the user to gain more independence and reach their potential as part of their rehabilitation.
What other apps are supportive for the daily lives of those with a traumatic brain injury?
Smart phones already have basic apps such as a calendar, alarm and an app for taking notes that can be utilised! Not only this but Google Maps is usually already installed, which has a variety of tools for finding wheelchair accessible facilitates and takes you step-by-step through directions- even while walking to your destination. To raise awareness in conjunction with the Brain Injury Awareness campaign to promote the support available to those with a brain injury – check out some more handy apps:
Headspace (iOS & Android) Meditation made simple. This app is filled with guided meditations and mindfulness techniques that teach the user how to breathe, meditate and live mindfully. Aiming to improve focus and manage stress and anxiety this app has lots to offer. Headspace’s Apple Watch app even lets you hit a literal panic button when you are faced with a super-stressful situation. There is a lot of research surrounding the positive benefits of practising mindfulness for those with traumatic brain injury such as helping improve mood, sleep, stress, attention and overall quality of life.
Find My iPhone (iOS)/ Find My Device (Android) We are all guilty of losing our phones! However, those recovering from a traumatic brain injury may find this happens more often than most. These apps allow you to easily track the location of your smart phone at anytime.
Lumosity (iOS & Android) This colourful and fun brain training app provides an easy and quick way to exercise the mind, and is designed to train five cognitive functions: speed, memory, attention, flexibility, and problem-solving.
Touch Calendar (Android)/Visual Schedule Planner (iOS) These apps make viewing your calendar easy! Touch Calendar allows the user to see one calendar view without having to swipe for different daily, weekly, monthly calendar views- which is really useful for those with attention problems.
Red Panic Button (iOS & Android) At a tap of a button this emergency app sends out a call of help in the form of an SMS message to a list of panic contacts. This also includes a Google Maps link to your location.
Every day we provide a range of services working with those with traumatic brain injury including specialist assessment, rehabilitation and psychological therapy, and we will continue – especially this Brain Injury Awareness month- to show our support and raise awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding brain injuries and promote the available support!