Brain injuries—including those that are relatively mild—can be utterly devastating for both the affected parties and their loved ones. Because of the role the brain plays in the central nervous system, a brain injury can affect mood, behavior, and demeanor, not to mention physical functions and cognitive abilities.
Sadly, the challenges that come with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are all too common. Across the country, there are hundreds of thousands of TBI-related hospitalizations every year.
If someone you love is recovering from a brain injury, you’re probably wondering how you can possibly help. While it’s natural to feel powerless in such a scenario, there are at least a few ways to facilitate their recovery while easing some of the biggest hurdles they face. Read on to learn what they are:
1. Make It Easy for Them to Attend Medical Appointments
When recovering from head trauma, patients typically need to attend lots of follow-up appointments. If they can’t drive themselves, however, they may be inclined to skip them, thereby stalling their progress. You can ensure your loved one makes it to all their doctor’s visits by driving them yourself or arranging for alternative transportation.
Forgetting appointments entirely is another common hurdle that can impede recovery. Stay on top of your family member’s doctor visits. Record each one in both their calendar and yours, and remind them as needed of upcoming appointments.
2. Devise a Daily Routine for Them
People with TBIs thrive on predictability, so help your loved one devise a daily schedule that they can stick to for the most part with ease. Then, set up gentle daily reminders on their phone or tablet that pop up when it’s time to complete essential tasks, like eating, exercising, and taking medication.
Your family member will inevitably have to deviate from their routine on occasion—for doctor’s appointments, for example—but you should make it as predictable as possible otherwise. The sense of stability that results will help them feel more secure as they navigate life with a TBI.
3. Invite Them on Social Outings
Head trauma can make even the most gregarious individuals withdraw from their friends and family members. Once your loved one’s condition stabilizes, however, you should not let them isolate themselves.
Continue inviting them on all the outings and events they would have attended before the accident, and make it easy for them to tag along by handling all the logistics like transportation. Maintaining an active social life will contribute to the victim’s quality of life immensely and help them feel fulfilled during such a stressful time.
Discuss Your Case with a Brain Injury Attorney in Long Beach
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
At the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, we know all too well what kind of toll a brain injury can take on the whole family. If someone you love sustained a TBI because another party was being reckless or negligent, we’ll help you seek compensation for the associated damages. To set up a free initial consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Long Beach, call (562) 206-1939 or fill out our Online Contact Form.