Causes of ABI include disease, blows to the head, alcohol and drug use, or oxygen deprivation.

Coping with the consequences of acquired brain injury can be difficult for everyone, including family members.

Paul has been a client of Interchange Australia since sustaining an ABI nearly 10 years ago.

Since having his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) package approved, the number of supports Paul receives has increased.

This has enabled him to make his life increasingly gratifying and rewarding.

When Paul’s mother passed away, he had to move out of the family home which he had shared with her.

Interchange Australia assisted Paul to apply for emergency accommodation.

He is now a permanent resident of his one bedroom flat.

Interchange Australia also assisted Paul to apply for Public Guardianship and Financial Management through the Trustee and Guardian.

Medication monitoring, social support, domestic assistance and personal care were also implemented for his well-being.

Paul is a very social person and loves the company of his workmates and friends.

Since Paul has been funded by the NDIS, he has been able to attend social outings on the weekends with the friends he has made at Interchange Australia.

Twice a week, Paul also receives assistance from a support worker to accompany him to take his pets Monty and Maggie out for a long walk and a run.

This is not only important for Monty and Maggie, but is also very important to Paul as he considers his pets to be his best friends.