Geelong mum launches ‘PrepareMe’ app to help brain injury rehabilitation

A Geelong mum who received a traumatic brain injury following a 2010 “horror car accident” has launched an app to help others get their lives back on track after similar injuries.

A Geelong woman is using the lessons learned recovering from her own traumatic brain injury to help others get their lives back on track.

Katherine Varley launched her ‘PrepareMe’ app to help people organise, store and manage their schedules following traumatic brain injuries, using a $50,000 state government grant.

Ms Varley underwent intensive rehabilitation following a “horror car accident” in 2010, during which she learned the importance of keeping track of her various appointments.

“I spent three weeks comatose, many long months recovering in hospital, six years in rehabilitation and many years on, here I am rebuilding my life, with a brain injury along for the ride,” she said.

Katherine Varley had developed an app called PrepareMe to help others after traumatic injury. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I had to relearn absolutely everything. I struggled with memory, attention, speed of thinking, planning and problem solving. I still do. Then there was the challenge of navigating rehabilitation and all that entailed.

“Over the course of my rehabilitation, I worked with a team of therapists. Because I found it hard to keep track of everything, together we developed a system of communication using my iPad. We used my iPad to store and share information. It was a lifesaver.

“And so PrepareMe was born … Everything can be conveniently stored and managed so you can refer back to it wherever you are, or share information as you need. It’s all about helping you arrange your life, your way.”

PrepareMe works as a virtual personal assistant, storing patients’ rehabilitation information, health professionals contact details and sending regular reminders.

Ms Varley created the app using funding from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Small Grants Program.

“Katherine has done a fantastic job in developing this app, which will no doubt help numerous people as they recover from injuries,” Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said.

“Regaining quality of life and independence following a serious injury is so important and projects like Katherine’s which are specifically aimed at helping during the rehabilitation process are vital.”

For more information, visit prepareme.com.au

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Originally published as Geelong mum launches ‘PrepareMe’ app to help brain injury rehabilitation