The Value of Hospital Visits After Brain Injury

At Headway Kent, we know that life can feel overwhelming following an acquired brain injury (ABI). For many survivors, the hospital stage is just the beginning of a long journey of rehabilitation and adjustment. That is why visiting people in hospital after brain injury is such an important part of recovery — not just for the survivor, but for their families too.

Why hospital visits matter

When someone has experienced a brain injury, hospital can feel lonely, frightening, and confusing. Simple human contact — a friendly face, a reassuring conversation, or even just sitting together quietly — can make a huge difference. Research shows that early emotional and social support can:

Reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation
Boost confidence and motivation for recovery
Help survivors feel connected to life outside the hospital
Provide families with vital reassurance and information

A personal experience — from our CEO

Jenny Walsh, CEO of Headway Kent, recalls the devastating day she first visited her mum Gill in the William Harvey Hospital after being told by doctors she had suffered a “small stroke”:

“We walked into the ward expecting to see Mum sitting up in bed, but instead we were met with the complete opposite. She didn’t recognise who we were, couldn’t speak, couldn’t swallow, and was left completely disabled down one side. It was obvious that this was not a small stroke but a major one. The shock was indescribable.”

Jenny explains how, although it is natural for medical staff to want to avoid frightening families, not using the correct medical term or accurately describing the severity of the situation can cause more harm than good:

“We had to process the reality very suddenly and without preparation. It is kinder in the long run to give families honest information so they can be better prepared for what they are walking into.”

Gill spent many months in hospital. Jenny says those visits were crucial:

“Even though Mum couldn’t communicate at first, she lit up when her grandchildren came in. Those visits gave her motivation and hope, and they became such an important part of her recovery journey.”

Supporting families as well as survivors

Hospital visits aren’t just about the person with the brain injury. Families often need guidance and hope at a time when the future feels uncertain. Our staff and volunteers can provide information about Headway Kent’s support groups, counselling, and community rehabilitation services, giving families a clear pathway to ongoing help once their loved one leaves hospital.

Building bridges to recovery

Hospital visits are the first step in building a bridge between acute medical care and life in the community. They ensure that brain injury survivors and their families know they are not alone. From practical advice to emotional support, our visits help lay the foundation for successful rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing.

How Headway Kent helps

Headway Kent works closely with local hospitals across the county to provide specialist support to patients with acquired brain injuries. Our trained staff and volunteers understand the challenges that survivors face and can signpost to services such as:

Community hubs across Kent
One-to-one rehabilitation support
Carer and family support networks
Specialist information about brain injury

By visiting in hospital, we ensure that support starts as early as possible, giving survivors and families the best chance to move forward with confidence.

If you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury and would like support, please get in touch with us at info@headwaykent.org or call 01227 864118.