Dealing with a loved ones brain injury
If someone you know has recently sustained a brain injury, you might be feeling a range of confusing emotions—shock, denial, depression, and grief. You may be worried about assuming the role of caregiver in your loved one’s life or helping them find the right resources to get them through the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead. Use this article as a guide to help get you started.
Educating Yourself
The very first thing you should do in your role of caregiver is to begin research on the type of injury your loved one has sustained and the challenges they are likely to face as the result of the injury. Educating yourself about the injury will not only provide you with a better idea of the treatment options available to your loved one, but also how to better interact with and provide support for your loved one. Luckily, much of the basic information can be accessed online through websites like BBC Health and The Disabilities Trust. As you research, make sure to write down any questions you may have to discuss with a doctor or counsellor at a later time.
Finding the Right Support
Depending on the severity of the brain injury, your loved one may experience personality changes, behavioural problems, memory losses, poor concentration, anger management problems, or learning disabilities. These types of changes and problems require the support of professionals. As well as your primary care doctor, charitable organizations are a great place to turn for advice and support regarding rehabilitation services and legal and financial issues; some of the UK’s most championed brain charities include Headway, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, Brain & Spine Foundation, and Child Brain Injury Trust.
Dealing with Legal Issues
If your loved one’s brain injury was sustained as the result of clinical negligence, it can add an extra layer of hurt and frustration to an already distressing situation. Pursuing a clinical negligence settlement can be a long and complicated process; make sure you enlist the help of an experienced solicitor to develop and represent your case. They will ensure your loved one gets the compensation they deserve to pay for medical treatments, personal care costs, and specialty services. If your loved one is not eligible to receive government aid to cover the litigation process, look for a solicitor with a “no win no fee” agreement to avoid paying any up-front costs.
Learning to Cope
While you may get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of your role as caregiver, it is important not to lose sight of your own feelings and needs in the process. You may still be in denial about the severity of the injury, worried about taking on additional responsibilities in your life, or even uncertain about the appropriate way to interact with your loved one in their time of need. Speaking with a therapist about these emotions and frustrations may help you attain a better perspective about how to cope in your daily life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for additional support as well.
Pennilla Grafh
If someone you know has recently sustained a brain injury, you might be feeling a range of confusing emotions—shock, denial, depression, and grief. You may be worried about assuming the role of caregiver in your loved one’s life or helping them find the right resources to get them through the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead. Use this article as a guide to help get you started.
Educating Yourself
The very first thing you should do in your role of caregiver is to begin research on the type of injury your loved one has sustained and the challenges they are likely to face as the result of the injury. Educating yourself about the injury will not only provide you with a better idea of the treatment options available to your loved one, but also how to better interact with and provide support for your loved one. Luckily, much of the basic information can be accessed online through websites like BBC Health and The Disabilities Trust. As you research, make sure to write down any questions you may have to discuss with a doctor or counsellor at a later time.
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Finding the Right Support
Depending on the severity of the brain injury, your loved one may experience personality changes, behavioural problems, memory losses, poor concentration, anger management problems, or learning disabilities. These types of changes and problems require the support of professionals. As well as your primary care doctor, charitable organizations are a great place to turn for advice and support regarding rehabilitation services and legal and financial issues; some of the UK’s most championed brain charities include Headway, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, Brain & Spine Foundation, and Child Brain Injury Trust.
Dealing with Legal Issues
If your loved one’s brain injury was sustained as the result of clinical negligence, it can add an extra layer of hurt and frustration to an already distressing situation. Pursuing a clinical negligence settlement can be a long and complicated process; make sure you enlist the help of an experienced solicitor to develop and represent your case. They will ensure your loved one gets the compensation they deserve to pay for medical treatments, personal care costs, and specialty services. If your loved one is not eligible to receive government aid to cover the litigation process, look for a solicitor with a “no win no fee” agreement to avoid paying any up-front costs.
Learning to Cope
While you may get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of your role as caregiver, it is important not to lose sight of your own feelings and needs in the process. You may still be in denial about the severity of the injury, worried about taking on additional responsibilities in your life, or even uncertain about the appropriate way to interact with your loved one in their time of need. Speaking with a therapist about these emotions and frustrations may help you attain a better perspective about how to cope in your daily life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for additional support as well.
Pennilla Grafh
About the Author:
Pennilla Grafh- A medical writer and part time journalist with a keen interest in the dynamics of medical recovery
Pennilla Grafh- A medical writer and part time journalist with a keen interest in the dynamics of medical recovery
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