Taking Care of the Family After a Loved One's Brain Injury

Any brain injury can cause some changes to the affected person and their family. Talk and plan with the rest of your family to help cope with your loved one's injury. Your roles may change, but don't give up all the things you hold dear. Get help. Remember that there is often some improvement over time. Find ways to keep your family moving ahead.

Don't forget the rest of your family. Talk and spend time together. Make plans. The future still exists.

As the extent of your loved one's injury becomes clear, it is normal to feel angry or guilty. Allow yourself and other family members to be honest. Personality changes can occur in people after a traumatic brain injury. Counseling may help you and your family adjust to these sudden changes in your lives.

Will your loved one live at home or be able to stay alone? What's to become of the family? Ask the social worker about government support services. A financial advisor can help you plan for the future.

You should know that there is a lot of research on brain injury. In time, new treatments may become available. But it is also important to have realistic expectations.

You may want to alter your expectations. Now is a good time to rethink chores and old habits. List the tasks you do each day. Then ask yourself:

• Must this task be done?
• Does it need to be done this often?
• Is there a better way to do it?
• Who else can do it?
• Can we take turns?

Life goes on, despite your loved one's injury. Take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Try to stay in touch with friends. Make new contacts. Talk about things other than your affected loved one.

Take good care of yourself. Family caregivers are at higher risk of emotional and physical problems. Follow these tips:

• Exercise a little each day. Stretch. Go for a walk. Work out with friends or take a class each week.
• Eat fresh foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
• Reduce stress. Yoga or meditation may be helpful
• Set attainable goals.
• Sleep when you're tired. A nap can help lighten your mood and give you energy.
• Visit your doctor on a regular basis to take care of your own health.

You can't do it all by yourself. No one can. Only when you take care of yourself can you take care of others. Ask for help, and accept help when it's offered. Don't worry about repaying favors. Ask a friend to listen. Allow a neighbor to run an errand or pull weeds.