Dealing with a loved one’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be difficult and complex, even if the injury is slight. TBI’s are head injuries that commonly occur in accidents such as:
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Blows to the head
As a TBI can make things such as memory, planning and emotion regulation difficult, here are some recommendations from Mayo Clinic about how you can make the life of someone with TBI a little easier.
Provide Consistency
Try to stay consistent as much as possible during recovery with set times for daily activities such as meals, grooming and bedtime. This will help reduce impulsive behaviors and increase appropriate orientation.
Model Respect
Find ways to show love and respect in all your interactions with a brain-injured family member. Calmly provide reassurance while correcting mistakes or teaching new tasks. Always give feedback to support your loved one with a TBI.
Help TBI Victims Take Time To Heal
Following your doctor’s orders about treatment and recovery is essential. Do not rush going back to work, as doing so can severely hamper your recovery. If the negligence of another caused your head injury, you might be able to receive compensation from the responsible party to pay for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. A personal injury attorney can provide consultation and
Use Memory Aids
Using a personalized calendar of events and daily routines can be a helpful visual cue that facilitates orientation. A fact sheet or notebook can serve as a quick reference point for things such as important phone numbers and medication instructions.
Utilizing a wide range of helpful strategies aimed at gradual recovery will do wonders for your loved one’s emotional and functional health. The recovery process can be long and challenging, so family caregivers need to access any resources they can to keep gradual improvement progressing.
