In May 2025, a new report titled The Cost to the UK Economy of Acquired Brain Injury, commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Acquired Brain Injury and UKABIF, highlighted the profound economic and social impact of acquired brain injury (ABI). ABI can result from traumatic events such as accidents, as well as non-traumatic causes like stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, brain tumours, and hypoxia. The report estimates the total annual cost to the UK economy at £134.5 billion, covering direct healthcare costs, lost productivity, informal care, and most significantly the reduced wellbeing experienced across society.
A key finding of the report is that investing in specialist, early rehabilitation services could substantially reduce long-term costs to the NHS and social care systems. Early access to intensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation is crucial, not only to improve medical outcomes, but also to enable individuals to regain independence and maximise recovery.
The report also highlights the significant disparity in the availability of rehabilitation services, revealing that many individuals do not receive timely or adequate care, which adversely affects recovery outcomes.
At STEPS Rehabilitation, our approach aligns closely with the principles set out in the 2015 Rehabilitation Code, which applies specifically to injured claimants. The Code promotes early intervention and collaborative rehabilitation within the compensation process, ensuring that clients with a claim receive timely assessment and access to appropriate rehabilitation services. This supports the most effective recovery in medical, social, vocational, and psychological areas.
However, while the Rehabilitation Code governs provision for those with claims, it is imperative that rehabilitation services are made accessible to all individuals affected by acquired brain injury, regardless of their legal or compensation status. Inclusive access to early rehabilitation is essential to improve outcomes and reduce the broader societal and economic costs associated with ABI.
The Importance of Early, Intensive Rehabilitation
ABI is often a complex, life-altering condition requiring coordinated, personalised rehabilitation from the earliest possible stage. Delays or inadequate access to specialist rehabilitation can lead to deterioration in physical and cognitive function, extended hospital stays, increased social care needs, and poorer long-term outcomes.
The principle of the Right to Rehab asserts that everyone affected by ABI should have timely access to the right level of specialist rehabilitation, irrespective of whether their injury is the subject of a compensation claim. This includes individuals involved in clinical negligence or personal injury claims, and those without claims, relying on the NHS.
STEPS Rehabilitation’s Role in Supporting Recovery
At STEPS Rehabilitation, we recognise that early, intensive rehabilitation is vital for maximising recovery following an acquired brain injury (ABI). We provide specialist, personalised programmes to a wide range of clients, including those, in a prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDOC), stroke survivors and those in rehabilitation for conditions like encephalitis or meningitis.
Our interdisciplinary team work to reduce complications, promote independence, and support reintegration into daily life. Many clients go on to return to work or study, resume hobbies, and manage everyday tasks with greater confidence, demonstrating the transformative impact of specialist rehabilitation.
Julian’s Story
Julian, 25, suffered a severe brain injury in 2017 but did not receive specialist rehabilitation until three years later at STEPS Rehabilitation. Through a tailored programme of physiotherapy, aquatic therapy, psychology, and neurologic music therapy, he regained independence and confidence. Inspired by his therapists, Julian is now studying physiotherapy and lives independently.
David’s Story
David, 27, suffered a stroke while at university in 2017. Initially unable to walk, struggling with his speech and a subluxed shoulder, he started an intensive period of residential rehabilitation at STEPS Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, aquatic therapy, speech therapy, and neurologic music therapy and made remarkable progress. On discharge from STEPS, David was walking, able to use a climbing wall and playing the piano. He returned to university, graduated with a first and secured a job as a mechanical engineer.
The Cost of Missed Rehabilitation
While Julian and David’s stories show the life-changing benefits of specialist rehabilitation, the report highlights the severe consequences when such support is not provided and includes the story of Annie Ricketts, a 36-year-old consultant whose life changed after a traumatic brain injury during a supervised horse ride.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Annie was discharged without adequate support or follow-up.
“I was sent home from hospital to a house that the medical staff knew was empty, with no support. No adult to supervise. Left hospital with a piece of paper that says, ‘you have a severe TBI’ – that was the extent of the discharge plan.”
With no access to early neurorehabilitation, Annie’s cognitive health deteriorated. She lost her job, home, income, and ultimately her independence. Over the next two decades, she experienced homelessness, financial vulnerability, and prolonged psychological distress. Her story reveals the devastating consequences of missed early intervention.
Unfortunately, Annie’s case is not rare, it is a reflection of widespread systemic gaps in ABI care, from poor diagnosis in A&E to the complete absence of aftercare. These failings have an enormous impact on those effected by an ABI, and place a massive long-term burden on welfare, housing, and mental health services.
The Cost to Families
One of the most overlooked aspects of ABI is its profound effect on families, carers, and children. The report reveals a £91.5 billion annual wellbeing loss among patients and those closest to them:
- £48.1bn – Partners and widows
- £47m – Carers
- £112m – Children
- £43.3bn – Patients
These costs represent not financial spending, but the loss of quality of life, wellbeing, and mental health. Many carers experience isolation, constant stress, and poorer physical and emotional health. Parents of children with ABI often cannot return to work or must reduce their hours for years.
Children, too, feel the impact. The emotional distress caused by having a parent with ABI can lead to long-term anxiety and behavioural changes.
STEPS Rehabilitation
At STEPS Rehabilitation, we recognise that rehabilitation does not happen in isolation. That is why we take a whole-family approach to care, supporting not just the individual with ABI, but also their loved ones.
Here’s how STEPS supports families:
- Involvement in therapy: Families are encouraged to be part of therapy sessions, helping them understand recovery needs and feel more confident supporting their loved one.
- Flexible visiting: Loved ones can visit frequently, stay overnight, and even share meals in communal family areas designed to promote connection and reduce isolation.
- Onsite accommodation: We offer a nearby rental property for family members who want or need to stay close—particularly vital for those travelling from other parts of the UK.
- Peer support: Our communal spaces allow families to connect with others going through similar experiences, offering emotional relief, and understanding.
- Education and wellbeing: We run wellbeing groups and support sessions to help families care for themselves and develop strategies to support their loved one at home.
ABI does not just affect the person, it changes the whole dynamic of relationships, families, and futures. Supporting families is an essential part of successful recovery.
We Cannot Afford to Ignore This Any Longer
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a lifelong condition with profound, wide-reaching consequences. Yet much of its personal and societal cost could be significantly reduced, or even avoided, through timely, coordinated, and person-centred rehabilitation.
We urgently need policy reform, sustainable funding, and a care model that acknowledges the real lives behind the statistics.
Every year, thousands are affected by ABI. For many, early specialist rehabilitation can be life-changing, restoring independence, enabling a return to work, and alleviating pressure on public services. Unfortunately, access to such rehabilitation is not guaranteed.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group’s recent report estimates the annual cost of ABI to the UK at £134.5 billion, much of which could be lessened through early, intensive rehabilitation.
The report’s call for the ‘Right to Rehab’ emphasises that all individuals with ABI, regardless of funding or legal claim, must have timely access to specialist rehabilitation.
Early rehabilitation is not optional, it is essential. To reduce the long-term human and economic burden of ABI, we must ensure that early, specialist rehabilitation is accessible to all.