Every year, almost 18,000 Americans sustain spinal cord damage. Often resulting in paralysis, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are utterly devastating for both those who suffer them and their families.
If someone you love is recovering from an SCI, you might still be adjusting to the circumstances yourself. Chances are you’re more concerned about the accident victim, though, and you’re wondering how to help.
While there’s no way to undo what happened or even to restore the patient’s vitality, there are steps you can take to boost their mood in the moment and improve their overall outlook on the long road to recovery. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective strategies below:
1. Keep Taking Them out With You
It’s not uncommon for people with catastrophic injuries to pull back from their friends and loved ones. Isolation will only worsen any anxiety or depression they’re experiencing, though, so make sure to invite them to all the outings and events you would have included them in prior to the accident. Even when bringing your loved one along will demand special accommodations, it will be well worth the effort once you see how happy they are.
2. Modify Their Home
It may be tempting to do virtually everything for your loved one—or to hire a handful of helpers who can—but having them tackle increasingly harder tasks themselves will actually facilitate their recovery. It will also lend to a sense of accomplishment, not to mention the optimism that comes with continued progress.
Instead of paying people to assist with housekeeping, bathing, grooming, and other daily essentials, spend the money modifying your loved one’s home so they can complete such tasks on their own.
3. Introduce Them to New Hobbies
Depending on the extent of the SCI, the injured party may no longer be able to participate in hobbies they once loved. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a host of other hobbies they can’t pick up, though.
It may also be possible to modify their favorite pastimes in such a way that they can still participate despite any limitations. For example, if they were passionate about gardening before the accident but have been relegated to a wheelchair since, you can fill their home with succulents and flowerpots. They might not be able to get down and dirty in the soil anymore, but they can still care for all kinds of plants.
Call (562) 206-1939 to Discuss Your Case with a Long Beach Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
At the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, we know just how devastating SCIs can be on the whole family. That’s why we’re committed to holding those who cause them financially accountable.
If you or someone you love is living with an SCI because another party failed to act with reasonable care, let us help you pursue the compensation needed to pick up the pieces. Call (562) 206-1939 or fill out our Online Contact Form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Long Beach.