A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can manifest in a variety of ways, from a mild concussion to debilitating cognitive challenges. That means a medical treatment plan must be tailored to fit the individual’s needs.
For family members and friends who might step into the role of caregiver for the more severe TBI injuries, there also have to be accommodations as to what you might be capable of handling about care and treatment, like physical therapy exercises.
Beyond the medical needs, there are some common areas around how to support a loved one with a brain injury that would be beneficial for all families to put into action.
Educate Yourself About TBI
Before you embark on the recovery journey with your loved one, it is essential to understand the scope of the particular injury and what to expect. There are new developments every day in how the brain operates. There are also advances in cognitive therapies that could be a benefit.
You don’t have to go to medical school, but there are a lot of online resources that can provide answers about the injury and how the brain operates that can help support what you’re going through.
Lead with Patience
Recovery from a brain injury is a gradual process. Progress can be incremental. There can also be occasional setbacks.
That is why you should always strive to lead with patience when helping your loved one through their recovery journey. It is essential to hold space for patience and persistence so that your loved one won’t become discouraged when it seems like nothing is changing from day to day.
Ask for Help
Taking on the role of caregiver in any capacity is a testament to the care and concern you have for someone, but it’s not without its challenges. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibilities.
That’s why you want to ask for help when you need it. Even getting a break for just a few short hours can provide tremendous benefits.
Establish a Consistent Routine
A consistent routine holds a lot of benefits for someone recovering from a traumatic brain injury.
That stability helps them get into a positive space for when they need to focus on physical and occupational therapy and when they have to deal with mealtimes and time “off.” It also helps you plan your day so that you can take breaks and tend to other family business. A consistent routine also helps your loved one feel like they are more in control of their world.
Offer Plenty of Respect
There may be an inclination among some family members to unintentionally talk down to the person with the TBI. They might express pity, which robs your loved one of their adulthood. The goal should be to treat them with respect and create a positive environment for their recovery journey.
Embrace the New Normal
Supporting someone with a TBI is going to be a change for everyone in their orbit. Those changes should be embraced as the new normal. This is the way things are. They might change with recovery improvements, but for now, you’re taking on the challenges and making them part of the daily routine.
Prioritize Self-care
It is a common occurrence for caregivers to neglect their own health as they shift their focus to their loved one’s needs.
However, it is vitally important that you don’t drop the ball when it comes to your diet, exercise, and regular wellness exams. You also have to dedicate the time to self-care. That can look different for everyone. Whether you take a break for meditation or to binge-watch your favorite TV series, self-care helps you reset and reenergize.
Remember, you can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
Seek Professional Counsel
You will undoubtedly be in constant communication with your loved one’s medical team. Depending on the circumstances around the injury, you could also seek professional legal counsel from an experienced brain injury attorney. If someone else’s negligence caused the injury, you should be compensated for the current and future medical expenses.
An attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to make the right decision about how to seek that compensation and who can be held accountable. The right attorney can be a valuable part of your support team.
