How to Help Your Loved One Cope with a Brain Injury

If your loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s natural to feel helpless. As far as accidental injuries go, TBI is one of the worst. The brain is a primary component of the central nervous system, which controls virtually every bodily function. As such, brain damage can affect everything from mood and behavior to strength and mobility.

Regardless of whether your relative suffered mild or severe damage, you may be unsure how to act. What should you say? How can you help? What does he or she need most to facilitate recovery?

While every TBI is unique, there are a few universal ways to help those who are attempting to navigate life with such an injury. If your loved one sustained brain damage, try these strategies for helping him or her cope in the aftermath:

1. Implement Organizational Systems

Some of the most common side effects of traumatic brain injury include memory loss, trouble concentrating, and poor comprehension. As such, your relative may miss appointments, lose belongings, and struggle to complete even the simplest tasks without getting distracted.

You can prevent such issues by implementing various organizational systems. For example, if your loved one has a smartphone, populate all obligations into a calendar app that will notify him or her of upcoming appointments.

As for keeping track of essentials, label the cabinets and drawers throughout his or her home, and then tidy up so everything is in its designated place. Writing detailed instructions for the tasks he or she has the most trouble with will also help. Finally, place notepads and small whiteboards throughout the house so he or she can jot down things worth remembering as they come to mind.

2. Get out of the House

Depression is another common side effect of TBI. Since loneliness, isolation, and boredom can worsen symptoms of depression, make it a point to take your loved outside frequently.

Start with relaxing, lowkey activities like nature walks. Research indicates that spending time outside provides a host of mental health benefits. As your relative regains confidence, consider more social activities, but do not push him or her too hard or too fast or you will cause more stress than enjoyment.

3. Provide Some Sense of Normalcy

Catastrophic injuries can take away all sense of normalcy. Help your loved one establish a routine so he or she knows what to expect on any given day. This alone can eliminate a considerable amount of stress.

If your relative is recovering in a long-term care facility, the nurses will attempt to keep him or her on some kind of schedule. You can help by furnishing the room with items from home to make it cozier and more familiar.

Call (727) 821-1500 for a Free Consultation with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love sustained a TBI in some kind of preventable accident, contact Emerson Straw. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed with your claim. Call (727) 821-1500 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with a brain injury lawyer.