The Illawarra Brain Injury Service (IBIS) is an outpatient, outreach and community based rehabilitation service for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. It services residents of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District

What we do

IBIS provides comprehensive specialised rehabilitation to people with a traumatic brain injury, living in the community. Services are offered to the person with the brain injury as well as support to those caring for them.

The rehabilitation program is tailored to the needs of the individual based on the rehabilitation goals identified. Intervention may be provided individually or on a group basis. Referrals to external services will be made when relevant.

Rehabilitation coordination is offered to individuals participating in rehabilitation programs and to school aged children and adolescents.

School aged children and adolescents are supported with reintegration to school following their brain injury. 

This service is suitable for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (and certain non-degenerative acquired brain injuries) and require rehabilitation to meet identified goals related to the brain injury. Suitability for services through IBIS can be discussed with the intake staff or any team member. Services available for individuals aged 5 – 65 years. Eligibility criteria apply.

What to expect

An initial assessment is completed to ensure that IBIS is a suitable service and to ascertain rehabilitation goals are identified from which a rehabilitation program is developed. Individuals participating in a rehabilitation program are assigned a case manager who will coordinate the program and is a key contact for you.

After the initial assessment you will be contacted be different team members to work on your rehabilitation program. This program is developed in conjunction with you to meet your goals and is tailored to meet the pace of your recovery. A list of clinicians is found below. Programs may include intervention  (but not limited) to:

• Understanding the effects of the brain injury on yourself or a loved one
• become independent in managing finances, managing a household and preparing meals,
• returning to driving,
• adjusting to changes after the brain injury,
• support in increasing your physical activity
• managing communication changes
• learning strategies to manage changes after the brain injury, such as using a phone to remember appointments

Home and community visits are also provided depending on the rehabilitation program. School visits are similarly arranged as required to support return to school. Referral to other services will take place to support ongoing rehabilitation, for example support with finding or returning to work / study.

Who should access this service

IBIS is appropriate for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (and certain non-degenerative acquired brain injuries) and require rehabilitation related to their brain injury to meet their goals and optimise their independence in their everyday life.

Rehabilitation coordination is offered to individuals participating in rehabilitation programs and to school aged children and adolescents.

Services available for individuals aged 5 – 65 years living within the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District (ILSHD). Eligibility criteria apply and this can be discussed at the point of referral.

How to access this service (referrals or no referral necessary)

The IBIS accepts referrals all sources including self, acute hospitals, GPs and community organisations. A referral from a GP is needed if an appointment is required with the rehabilitation specialist.

What to bring

This will vary according to the rehabilitation program you are participating in and will be discussed with you by your treating team.

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