It’s not easy to watch your loved one go through a traumatic event, especially if it is one that caused them physical and emotional harm. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can completely change a person’s life, as well as that of their family members. The road to recovery is often a long process that can take months or even years.
Family caregivers play an important role in the recovery of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. If your loved one sustained a TBI and is returning home, you may be wondering how you can help them during this process. Below, you will find some simple yet powerful ways you can do so.
Get Them Outside
During the recovery process, many TBI survivors may have difficulty communicating or behaving how they normally would in social settings. Additionally, they may also struggle with anxiety and depression symptoms, ultimately leading to social isolation.
It’s important for these individuals to get out of the house for some fresh air and sunshine, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. You can offer to go on a walk outside or sit at a park where it’s quiet and less overwhelming.
Add Structure to Their Lives
Upon returning from the hospital, your loved one may be incredibly overwhelmed with all the changes in their everyday routines. They may feel as though they don’t have control over their lives and feel uncertain about how to act.
You can help them by adding some sense of normalcy to their day-to-day lives, even if it’s something as simple as playing their favorite music or making their favorite meal. Additionally, you can help them stay organized by writing calendar reminders for them and labeling drawers and cabinets so they know where things should be.
Be Patient and Sensitive
Your family member is going through one of the most difficult times in their lives, and their behavior may often be unpredictable. It is crucial that, as a caregiver, you do everything in your power to stay patient, be supportive, and try to understand where they are coming from. While they may not be able to verbalize their thoughts and feelings clearly at first, you can try to meet them in the middle and let them know you will always be there for them.
We hope that the information within this blog has helped you gain a better understanding of how you can help your loved one who has suffered a TBI. Additionally, if their brain injury was sustained in an accident caused by another person, your loved one may be able to pursue compensation and justice against this individual.
At The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we are dedicated to helping those injured due to no fault of their own recover the right way. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights or your potential case, please don’t hesitate to contact our Chico attorneys at (530) 413-0245 today!