Support

Family Helpline: 800-444-6443
E-mail support info@biami.org

After a brain injury, confusing issues may arise in returning to school or work, changing family relationships, and with physical, behavioral, emotional and financial concerns. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available to help guide persons and their families through these difficult situations. The specialists will provide information, resources, advocacy, and other types of support as needed. This service is free and referrals are welcome.

The goal of our Information & Resource Center (I & R) is to provide the best available information about brain injury to Michigan residents. Information about brain injury, its effects on the family, physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional changes on the individual, child or adolescent injuries, specialized services, are provided with practical suggestions for living with a brain injury.

Life after brain injury is challenging for the individual and their family and friends. Many times families feel unprepared to deal with the many questions being asked of them. Questions often arise about available resources, funding, housing, employment, etc. The Brain Injury Association of Michigan's Helpline helps answer many of these questions by pointing callers toward resources, services, and supports. We will help you find the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Hours of Operation

The Helpline is open during the Association's regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Information & Resources Specialists respond to all requests in as timely a manner as possible, usually within one business day. Responses to requests for information are not intended to replace medical, legal or professional advice, but to provide a person with some of the resources available to help them make an informed choice.

Every Question Is Important

Everyone question is important.

My son was in an auto accident and is in coma, what can we expect? What is the difference between auto no-fault and health insurance?
They want to send my mom home from the rehab hospital, but she can’t be left alone. What now?
My husband suffered a brain injury a few months ago and he still isn’t better. I’m trying to take care of him and my kids and now I have to get a job, what do I do now?
The insurance company sent me to their own doctor and now they don’t think there is anything wrong with me. But I still have lots of problems; I don’t understand what they are thinking.
My daughter had a brain injury a few months ago. She (and her teachers) wants her to graduate next month so she can start college in the fall. Any tips to help her do better?
My 36 year old daughter had a stroke. She’s back at home, but has 3 small children to take care. Her husband is looking for family counseling for all of them.
I’m trying to help out my brother who had a TBI many years ago, but seems to be getting worse. And he is so lonely and isolated now. How can I help?

These are the kind of questions we help people answer every day.

When you call, an I & R Specialist will ask you questions that help us provide the most appropriate resources and suggestions to meet your needs. When did the injury happen? How old was s/he at the time of injury? Do you have medical insurance? How is s/he doing now? All information is confidential.

Who does the Support Program serve?

Brain Injury Association of Michigan offers support to individuals who have sustained a brain injury, their families and friends, professionals, service providers, and the general public. Our Information & Resource Staff can also provide:

Assistance in locating appropriate services.
Brain injury resources, books and brochures.
Information about how brain injury may affect an individual’s return to home, school, work and their community
Help you find the nearest Brain Injury Support Group in your local area.
Tell you about upcoming BIAMI sponsored events and programs, including.workshops, trainings and conferences.
Send you information about other BIAMI services such as membership, advocacy, outreach and other BIAMI programs.
Provide information on brain injury research.

How Do I Use the Support Center?

Call our Helpline at 800-444-6443 and you can discuss your needs and situation with someone who is familiar with the challenges faced by people with brain injuries and their families. When calling after hours, please leave a voice message with your name and telephone number and your call will be returned on the next business day. You may also send an e-mail to info@biami.org

Support Groups

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan may suggest you talk with one of the support groups throughout Michigan. Support groups enable individuals to exchange ideas in a confidential atmosphere where both positive and negative views can be expressed without being judged. Remember – you are not alone. Support groups provide:

Hope
Information
Friendship
Sharing
Problem-solving
Personal growth
Self-advocacy

There are 19 chapters and support groups meeting monthly, with membership ranging from 50 to 125 each. Contact information on support group activities is available. We encourage you to contact several groups to find the one that best meets your needs. Support groups meet monthly throughout Michigan, allowing people with brain injuries and their families to connect with others in similar situations, gain valuable emotional support and friendships, and hear speakers discuss a variety of brain injury-related topics.

Click here to search for a support group online.