NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Diagnostic assessments review a persons cognition (thinking) in cases when a brain illness or injury is suspected. The type and extent of any changes in cognition are carefully investigated and this information helps to clarify the nature or extent of brain changes. For example, a diagnostic assessment is used in diagnosing conditions such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and learning difficulties in adults and children. This assessment measures the impact of a traumatic brain injury on memory and thinking processes. The findings from a diagnostic assessment will underpin practical recommendations for management of cognitive difficulties or rehabilitation goals.
Capacity assessments investigate whether a person with a brain injury or illness has the capacity to make informed decisions about significant issues in their lives. This includes making decisions about financial and legal matters, lifestyle issues, medical treatment decisions as well as specific matters such as appointing an enduring power of attorney or making changes to a will.
Medicolegal assessments are used in determining an individuals fitness to stand for trial or as a witness and to assess the impact of neurocognitive impairment on daily function, parenting abilities or offending behaviour. Medicolegal assessments for insurance companies are relevant in determining employment prospects or in the assessment of permanent and total disability.
Capacity assessments investigate whether a person with a brain injury or illness has the capacity to make informed decisions about significant issues in their lives. This includes making decisions about financial and legal matters, lifestyle issues, medical treatment decisions as well as specific matters such as appointing an enduring power of attorney or making changes to a will.
Medicolegal assessments are used in determining an individuals fitness to stand for trial or as a witness and to assess the impact of neurocognitive impairment on daily function, parenting abilities or offending behaviour. Medicolegal assessments for insurance companies are relevant in determining employment prospects or in the assessment of permanent and total disability.
TREATMENT SERVICES
Education and counseling can be of assistance to a person with cognitive difficulties and their close supporters to understand and adjust to changes and challenges in their lives.
Cognitive rehabilitation is learning and trialing new strategies to manage cognitive difficulties in day to day life. This includes the use of aids and supports such as a diary or smart phone as well as learning new mental techniques and routines.
Cognitive rehabilitation is learning and trialing new strategies to manage cognitive difficulties in day to day life. This includes the use of aids and supports such as a diary or smart phone as well as learning new mental techniques and routines.