Traumatic brain injuries can change how a person thinks, moves, communicates, and lives. Providing support to a TBI survivor may seem intimidating at first, while you try to make sense of what happened.
Learning the best ways to show your support may improve your confidence and the effectiveness of your response.
Patience and Organization
Adjusting to a TBI takes a lot of time and patience. Depending on the severity of the injury, your family member’s life may change permanently. Your loved one may need to learn new methods of completing daily tasks. Your ability to show patience can provide reassurance and encouragement.
Helping organize is another way you can show your support. Especially as your family member adjusts to living with a TBI, routines, and schedules will provide security. You can offer to help organize elements of your family member’s daily care routine to make the process more seamless. Helping schedule and track appointments, as well as setting reminders can also provide support.
Rehabilitative Therapies
Rehabilitative therapies can serve a couple of key purposes. First, they can potentially help your loved one regain some independence. Second, they can introduce effective methods for living with a disability. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, some different therapies to consider include the following:
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Vocational counseling
- Psychological counseling
- Occupational therapy
- Cognitive therapy
Therapy can cause discomfort and even discouragement when new challenges arise. However, your ability to encourage and support your family member can give incentive for continued progress.
Your loved one may have suffered a severe TBI. However, your support and the help of a reliable legal team may give your family member space to heal and recover.
