How can families support traumatic brain injury survivors?

The impact of a traumatic brain injury resulting from a catastrophic car accident extends beyond the survivors. Family members equally feel the sudden and drastic changes in their dynamics, as they play a central role in their loved one’s recovery.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain functioning, with symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the damage. Patients may experience a range of physical, behavioral, emotional and cognitive problems.

As survivors transition from hospital rehabilitation to care management at home, families must know they can help make the process a positive experience.

Ways to help TBI survivors live well

While uniquely challenging, caring for TBI survivors is manageable. Families can:

• Create necessary accommodations: Implementing safety measures can address potential impairments or deficits. For example, properly labeled drawers or posted notes can aid memory and reduce a loved one’s frustration from trying to remember where to find things or figuring out how they work.
• Monitor healthy routines: Set reminders for schedules on eating carefully planned meals, taking medicines and exercising. Also, take note of doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions.
• Build encouraging environments: Reassure loved ones that safe spaces exist, where they can freely express their struggles without fear of judgment. Reinforce how strong they are through honest conversations.
• Promote independence: As much as survivors need to take it slowly, they must also learn how to live independently again. Walk them through taking on tasks they used to do without the pressure of doing them exactly like before. Comfort them that change can also be fulfilling.

Most importantly, set realistic goals. The journey to recovery is rarely straightforward and often fraught with unpredictable trials. Complications may surface or side effects may worsen, which can prolong the process. Thus, families must be transparent with their loved ones about progress. Doing so fosters trust and allows the patient to be more hopeful of the future.

Supportive families need support too

Aside from medical guidance, supportive families need support themselves. A legal counsel who is ready to fight for their circumstances can be a source of strength and go after liable parties for compensation. The recovered funds can pay for long-term rehabilitative care and prevent further financial losses.

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