Life After Brain Injury: Support, Advocacy, and Resources for Families | Ep;. 42

Ep. 42 | In this episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Erika Brouillette sits down with Jamie Arbor, Executive Director of The Supported Living Group in Connecticut, to talk about the realities of navigating longterm support for traumatic brain injury survivors and their families. Jamie shares how his organization has become the largest provider of brain injury support services in the state, offering person-centered care that includes independent living skills training, employment services, residential supports, companion care, recovery assistance, and specialized respite for families.

Together, Erika and Jamie unpack the challenges families face when trying to access the Connecticut Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, including long waitlists, financial restrictions, confusing eligibility requirements, and the lack of specialized providers who truly understand the complexities of brain injury. Jamie explains why advocacy matters, how underfunding impacts care, and why families need to ask questions, tour programs, and refuse to settle for services that are not meeting their loved one’s needs.

This conversation also highlights the emotional toll on caregivers. Jamie speaks candidly about the isolation, guilt, trauma, and exhaustion that many spouses and family members experience, while encouraging them to seek therapy, use available resources, and care for themselves so they can continue supporting their loved one over the long haul. From creative support groups to clinical services, family guidance, and legislative advocacy, this episode is packed with valuable insight for anyone in Connecticut navigating life after brain injury.

If you are in Conneticut looking for help with navigating, I encourage you to contact Jamie at [e-mail]

As always, I would love for you to join us at Reclaim to continue the conversation and gain support from women who actually get it!