Case Study: Sonny
Sonny sustained a severe traumatic brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident. He has instability of knee joints which has reduced his walking endurance. He uses a walking stick and practices holding himself up in the backyard to improve his confidence and balance skills.
His blood pressure tends to rise due to high levels of stress and at other times when he is anxious he displays signs of depression and withdrawal. Sometimes he talks to himself and refuses to do anything. His brother Marlo has reported Sonny becoming more emotionally distressed over the loss of certain friendships since his accident, and only few have remained around for support. He can have aggressive outbursts when he becomes overly distressed and asks Marlo for alcohol or cigarettes as this seems to be the only thing that will calm his distress. Sonny has mentioned wanting to get a part time job or join a local club to meet some new people and be able to have a network of friends for daytime activities.
There are difficulties with memory, attention, reasoning, and problem solving. Sonny uses his mobile phone for appointment reminders, a whiteboard at home to assist with organisation and future planning, and support from his brother in planning, organising and carrying out weekly activities.
Sonny lives in a Department of Housing property with his brother Marlo who is currently his primary carer however Marlo is going to be working full time, and Sonny will now need a full time carer. The carer will need to assist Sonny with his daily activities including transportation to attend medical appointments and visits to the shops. Sonny does not want a replacement carer, and refuses to accept this change in care.
Some areas of the residence are becoming challenging as Sonny struggles when stepping out of the bath or coming up the front steps. Since the accident, Sonny does not enjoy traveling in cars for long periods. The property is in close proximity to public transport and a local shopping strip.