About Us
Community Residential Training Program Aiseirigh House
On September 19, 1997, the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS) received funding from the Department of Health for a residential pilot project. Aiseirigh House has been open and serving the community since the fall of 1998. In 2007 Aiseirigh House devolved from BIANS and a new society, "Moving in New Directions"(MINDS) was incorporated.
The Role of Aiseirigh House
Aiseirigh House has provided persons with brain injuries the opportunity to maximize their potential for functional independence. Through advances in modern medicine, more and more victims of brain injury are surviving, and are in need of rehabilitative services. Aiseirigh House is an extension of the current post-injury flow of care in Nova Scotia. As a community residential living facility for three persons, it helps to fill the gap that currently exists between hospital discharge and living in the community.
The Objectives of Aiseirigh House are to:
- Enhance individual capacity for self determination
- Provide a living environment that balances independence with support
- Support individuals in achieving goals
- Coordinate a supportive circle of family and friends for each individualized program
- Provide a model for special care geared specifically to the needs of people with brain injuries
- Provide quality, affordable, accessible residential service on a not-for-profit basis.
Criteria for Admission:
- Has an acquired brain injury and is medically stable (i.e. diagnosis established, vital signs stable, does not require monitoring such as blood work or medical consultation more than weekly).
- Has related life skills and/or activities of daily skills challenges that preclude living independently in the community.
- Does not have a diagnosis of addiction, and is not experiencing acute problems with substance or other abuse, including but not limited to abuse of or addiction to alcohol, gambling or drugs.
- Has not exhibited overt aggressive, violent or suicidal behaviour in the past 12 months.
- Has confirmed funding.
- Requires no specialized nursing care.
- Agrees to a general assessment and to a confidential assessment of medical records by the Admission and Discharge Committee, and understands that all admissions are subject to the decisions of the committee.
- Accepts the condition of a three-month trial period with re-evaluation of suitability at the end of this period.
- Demonstrates awareness to set and pursue goals, or can be motivated to set and pursue goals with a view to achieving increased function at home and in the community within 18 – 24 months.
- Agrees to sign an ‘Agreement Concerning Residency’.
New Applicant and Referral Agent and/or Family member can call the Executive Director to set up an information interview to learn more about the program and tour the home. This will be an opportunity to exchange information about the Residential Training Program and potential applicant; obtain a Referral and Medical form to be completed if appropriate, and to begin the application process for the Applicant.
If you are interested in making application to the Residential Training Program, please call for an information interview, contact Executive Director, Referral, Admissions and Discharge Committee (902) 444-3639.