When somebody you know or love has experienced a traumatic brain injury, this person will need a lot of support. Brain injuries can harm a person in many different ways, both physically and mentally. The victim may behave, feel, and think differently, which can negatively affect past relationships.
Friends and family members may think that the person has returned to the same way he used to be once released from the hospital. However, in some instances, they may not notice that the person is acting differently or suffering from physical effects until he returns home. Therefore, it’s essential to find out how to support the individual to know that you still care for him deeply and are there to help.
Learn about Brain Injuries
The first thing you can do to help support your friend or family member learns about brain injuries. Find out what the expected effects are and know how they tend to fluctuate daily. While an individual may look like he is doing fine one day, things can change overnight. The more you learn about brain injuries and what you could expect from them, the better prepared you will handle any future situations.
Talk to the Individual
Don't treat the brain injury as if it was the elephant in the room. Be open and honest with the person who has suffered this injury and ask him what effects he is experiencing personally. Ask him how you can help him and be willing to listen to the answers provided. The help you think he needs may not be the help he wants.
In some cases, individuals suffering from a brain injury want to be given as much independence as possible. On the other hand, some people would prefer extra support initially because they feel pretty anxious about things. So listen and do as much as you possibly can but don't be afraid to ask for help yourself if you need it.
Ask for Help
You may need to call in other individuals to help take care of the person with you. You may be very busy and can't allocate the necessary time to care for patients’ needs. Don't be afraid to ask for help from others to help guide the individual through a potentially tumultuous time.
Remember that the little things we can do for people often make the most significant difference. Offering to tie somebody's shoelaces when they are having difficulty, for example, may end up saving this person from experiencing back or neck pain for the rest of the day. So do what you can and always be willing to listen. This is often the best support you can provide.
If you or somebody you care for has suffered a brain injury and requires a brain injury attorney, visit our website now for more information.
Author, freelance writer