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So far Andrew Mernin has created 640 blog entries.

UK-first rehab centre to open in early 2021 

A groundbreaking neurorehabilitation centre which uses outdoor activities as a basis for its rehab has confirmed its long-awaited opening date.

Calvert Reconnections is the UK’s first intensive acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation centre which offers a unique approach to rehab for its residents.

Based on the outskirts of Keswick, in the Lake District, it takes advantage of its location by offering a programme of outdoor-based activities, all tailored around the needs of the individual.

Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have meant the opening of Calvert Reconnections has been delayed on two occasions this year, but it has now been confirmed that the centre will finally open its doors in spring.

“We can’t wait to open in Spring 2021,” says centre director, Sean Day.

“2020 has been immensely difficult for everyone, but better times are on the horizon.

By |2024-07-04T17:45:55+01:002 December 2020|Therapy, News|
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Medal-winning paralysed cyclist aims to raise £1 million for spinal stimulation research

A paraplegic cyclist has utilised the power of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to pedal his way to second place at the annual Cybathlon. Now, he’s embarking on another journey to raise £1 million to fund research on spinal stimulation; a treatment method which aims to improve the recovery and function of people with paralysis.

Following a trampolining accident in 2011 at the age of 16, Johnny Beer (AKA BionicBeer), was paralysed from the chest down.

Almost ten years later, the 25-year-old has snatched the silver medal at the Cybathlon 2020 FES Bike Race. BionicBeer powered his bike using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), a method which contracts paralysed muscles using small electrical charges.

Electrodes are placed on the skin through which an electrical current is passed. This effectively replaces the nervous system stimulus that is lost when someone is paralysed.

By |2024-07-04T17:45:55+01:001 December 2020|News, Spinal injury|
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‘We could resume some normality but should we?’

In the latest in our series of Q&A features with case managers to assess the impact of the pandemic, here Louise Sheffield of Active Case Management shares her thoughts and experiences. Can you summarise how the past few months have been for you. This year has been a strange one! There was a swift acceleration from the virus starting to be on my radar to it being upon us. It was a whirlwind and we had to think very quickly, with very limited information to make sure that colleagues safety was maintained and clients were looked after.  

By |2024-07-04T17:45:55+01:001 December 2020|News, Case management|
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Urgent response needed by football authorities – Headway

Brain injury charity Headway has called for the use of temporary substitutes in football following the latest high profile head injury in the sport.

The charity was speaking after the Arsenal versus Wolves game at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, which saw a clash of heads between Arsenal defender David Luiz and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez. Jimenez required oxygen on the pitch before being taken to hospital for further treatment. The thoughts of everyone at the charity are with Raul and his family as they wait for updates on his condition. A bloodied Luiz was bandaged before being allowed to return to the field of play – only to be substituted at half-time because, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, "he was really uncomfortable and couldn’t really head the ball".
By |2024-07-04T17:45:55+01:001 December 2020|News|
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Unpaid carers save UK £530m every day of the pandemic

With every day of the COVID-19 pandemic that passes, unpaid carers are saving the UK state £530 million in the care they provide, new data suggests.

The research, released for Carers Rights Day, estimates that the care provided by people looking after older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends during the pandemic stands at £135 billion so far, after just eight months. Previous research by the charity found that the majority (81%) of carers have been taking on more care since the start of the pandemic and nearly two thirds (63%) are worried about how they will continue to manage over winter.
By |2024-07-04T17:45:55+01:0028 November 2020|News|
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Hydrotherapy pools at home – are they necessary?

By David Withers, partner at Irwin Mitchell.

In serious injury cases, the parties can often disagree about whether an injured person has a need for a hydrotherapy pool. The installation, and subsequent maintenance, costs of a hydrotherapy pool are significant. This is often one of the most contentious heads of loss that arises in a serious injury case. Legal position In tort, the principle of “restitution in integrum” applies. This means that insofar as is possible the injured person should be put back in the position that they would have been in but for the negligence [see Livingstone – v – Rawyards Coal Co (1980) 5 App Cas 25]. This is often known as the full compensation principle.
By |2024-07-04T17:54:58+01:0027 November 2020|Opinion, Insight, News, Legal|
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New tech start-up supports those living with dementia

MOJO (Moments of Joy) is a new dementia portal and app connecting everybody involved in the care of a loved one.

The MOJO platform aims to share the load, reduce stress and uncover more crucial opportunities for moments of joy. MOJO launched the #MomentsOfJoy movement last week, which aims to raise awareness of people affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly. Dementia is the biggest cause of death in the UK today, with over 850,000 currently diagnosed cases. Unlike many other illnesses however, it is the wider family who often bear the burden of primary care, and there has been very little support available for them during this incredibly challenging journey. MOJO aims to change this with a combination of accessible technical innovation, helpful online resources and real-time support workshops.
By |2024-07-04T17:45:56+01:0025 November 2020|Tech & industry, News|
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Could female footballers face greater dementia risk?

Female footballers heading the ball could be putting themselves at even greater risk of dementia than male players according to experts at the University of East Anglia.

Dr Michael Grey is running a project to monitor ex-footballers for early signs of dementia. More than 35 former professional players have now signed up including former Norwich City stars Iwan Roberts and Jeremy Goss, and Crystal Palace hero Mark Bright. But the research team are urgently looking for amateur and professional female players to take part too.
By |2024-07-04T17:45:56+01:0025 November 2020|Research, News|
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Management during a pandemic: what we’ve learned

As the country faces the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the management team at Richardson Care reflect on their experiences so far. Richardson Care has six specialist residential care homes – three for adults with acquired brain injury and three for adults with learning disabilities. Caring for up to 78 people, many of whom are vulnerable brings added responsibilities and pressures, as well as additional skills.

Our experience in supporting people who are rebuilding their lives after brain injury or living with learning disabilities means that we are problem solvers. We support people to overcome challenges every day. Never has this been more important and we’re proud of the way that our management team and staff have responded.
By |2024-07-04T17:45:56+01:0024 November 2020|Case management, Therapy, News|
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The danger of Z-drugs for dementia patients

Strong sleeping pills known as ‘Z-drugs’ are linked with an increased risk of falls, fractures and stroke among people with dementia – according to research from the University of East Anglia.

Sleep disturbance is common among people with dementia and the impact for patients and their families is significant. To date there are no proven effective treatments available, however people with dementia are often prescribed Z-drugs (zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem). But a new study published today reveals that stronger doses of these drugs are linked with an increased risk of adverse effects. These adverse effects were found to be similar or greater than those for higher dose benzodiazepines or ‘benzos’ – which are also used to treat sleep disturbance, and are known to have several adverse effects.
By |2024-07-04T17:45:57+01:0023 November 2020|News|
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