Village Northwest Unlimited 330 Village Circle

BRAIN INJURY SERVICES OF
VILLAGE NORTHWEST UNLIMITED

Brain Injury Services of Village Northwest Unlimited, located in the Northwest Iowa town of Sheldon (population 5,000), is a transitional residential and vocational setting for individuals age 17 and over who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. Many individuals come from hospital rehabilitation programs, or from their own homes after discovering that a more structured and supervised setting is needed. Goals are individualized, but the expected outcome is for an individual to achieve a more independent vocational and residential setting. Brain Injury Services provides training in many areas including dressing, bathing, and self-care. Also, skills such as cooking, room care, laundry, and money management are emphasized. Vocationally, a work environment is provided for individuals to learn basic work skills such as attention to task, organization, and endurance that will allow them to re-enter the job market. Community placement with job coaches is available for individuals ready for supported or competitive employment. Northwest Iowa Community College (also located in Sheldon) is available for individuals desiring to learn a trade or take college level courses.

The Brain Injury Services program has been in operation since 1985 and has served individuals from all over the country. Although services are specific to those who have had a brain injury, the residential program is licensed ICF/MR (Intermediate Care Facility/Mentally Retarded) due to the state not having a specific licensure for providers of BI services. Sixteen individuals receive services in these two homes. Other residential settings include Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), in which no more than three individuals live in homes in the community with staff support. Drop-in support is also available to individuals living independently or with their families. Medicaid covers expenses for those who are eligible; some insurance companies also provide coverage; several past clients have had private legal settlements or third parties to pay for their care.

All services are provided on an individual basis according to an Interdisciplinary Team process. Reviews of individualized treatment plans are held quarterly after an initial 30-day assessment period. Program areas include: Residential, Vocational, Community Access, Cognitive Skills, Health and Nursing, Communications, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Spiritual Life Services. Specific services include counseling, life skills training, brain injury education, social skills training, recreation and leisure exposure and awareness, current events awareness, wellness training, cooking classes, pet therapy, and music therapy.