ABI Rehabilitation’s Wellington Intensive, Residential & Community Service provides specialist rehabilitation and ongoing support for people affected by traumatic brain injury, stroke and other neurological or injury-related conditions.

Located in Porirua, the service combines several levels of rehabilitation in one organisation, including intensive inpatient rehabilitation, residential supported living and community-based rehabilitation. ABI works in partnership with each client, or kiritaki, and their whānau to develop an individual programme based on their needs, abilities and recovery goals.

Intensive rehabilitation

The intensive service supports clients who require a structured inpatient rehabilitation programme following a serious brain injury. Depending on the individual’s condition, support may include medical and nursing care, physical rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, behaviour management, communication support and preparation for returning to the community.

ABI is the only ACC-contracted intensive rehabilitation provider for traumatic brain injury in the North Island and has delivered brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services in New Zealand for more than 20 years.

Residential supported living

ABI’s residential rehabilitation service assists people who need longer-term support after completing intensive treatment or who are not yet ready to live independently. The programme focuses on helping clients develop daily living skills, confidence, independence and greater participation in family and community life.

Community rehabilitation

The Wellington community team provides individualised rehabilitation for both adults and children. Support can take place at home, at work, at school, within the community or at an ABI facility, depending on what is most appropriate for the client.

Areas of support may include:

Returning to work, education and recreational activities
Improving routines, self-care and independent living skills
Managing fatigue, pain and activity tolerance
Developing emotional regulation and social skills
Supporting memory and information processing
Adjusting to disability or changing family and life roles
Concussion, psychological and vocational rehabilitation services

Community services may be funded through ACC, private payment or other funding arrangements, depending on the programme and the client’s eligibility.