An acquired brain disorder (ABD) is defined as a disruption in brain functioning that:
- is not congenital or caused by birth trauma;
- presents a severe and life-long disabling condition which significantly impairs a person's ability to function in society;
- occurs prior to age 60;
- is attributable to external trauma to the brain such as a motor vehicle incident or fall; anoxic or hypoxic injury to the brain such as cardiopulmonary arrest or carbon monoxide poisoning; infectious diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis; brain tumor; intra cranial surgery or cerebrovascular disruption such as a stroke; toxic exposure; and other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease or multiple sclerosis that predominantly affect the central nervous system; and
- is manifested by significant decline in cognitive functioning and ability or deterioration in personality, impulse control, judgment; modulation of mood or awareness of deficits.
Any resident of NH is eligible for services who has an acquired brain disorder and meets the skilled nursing facility or long term rehabilitation level of care need, and is eligible for Medicaid.
ABD Services offer individuals with acquired brain disorders and traumatic brain injuries a wide range of supports and services within their own communities. All direct services and supports to individuals and families are provided through 10 designated area agencies located throughout the state and are available to eligible individuals after age 22.
The range of services available include:
- Service Coordination including advocacy, facilitation and monitoring;
- Day Services focusing on assistance and training provided to individuals to maintain and improve their skills in personal care, vocational activities, community integration and to enhance their social and personal development;
- Employment Services focusing on assistance and training provided to individuals to maintain and improve their skills in vocational activities and enhance their social, personal development and well-being within the context of vocational goals. These services develop paid employment opportunities in integrated settings which offer meaningful occasions for workers to interact with non-disabled persons (co-workers or customers);
- Personal Care Services offering assistance and training to individuals to maintain and improve their skills in basic daily living, community integration and to enhance their social and personal development;
- Community Support Services which are intended for individuals who have developed or are trying to develop skills to live independently within the community. Services consist of assistance and training provided to maintain and improve skills in daily living, community integration and to enhance social and personal development;
- Family Support Services including respite and environmental modifications, to assist families in caring for a family member at home; and
- Crisis Services, Assistive Technology Services and Specialty Services.