Brain injuries are amongst the most serious types of injuries. According to the charity Headway, around 350,000 people were admitted to hospital with a brain injury between 2019 and 2020, which works out at around one every 90 seconds. If you’re having to support a loved one with a brain injury, there are several things you can do to help improve their livelihood.

Why is care and help needed?

Rest is key – and it will likely be the doctor’s orders for your loved one. This means you’ll need to step up and take on extra responsibilities while they recover. They may be unable to complete even simple daily tasks and will be off work during this time.

Being stripped of your proactivity and day-to-day antics can be a lot to process and can often result in poor mental health due to a lack of stimulation. Maintaining a sufficient level of care for your loved one’s physical and mental well-being will be crucial to their recovery.

Being patient

Patience is essential. A brain injury can challenge multiple aspects of a person’s life, including walking, talking and more.

They will likely feel frustrated with themselves due to the restrictions they’re faced with, but as one of their primary carers, you should demonstrate patience and embrace the act of slowing everything down.

Helping with rehab and medication

Rehabilitation could be very much a long-term process, so you’ll need to be prepared to help support them through this. Taking time to schedule this with them will mean that they are consistent as they work through their recovery.

Helping the individual stay on top of their medication is an important part of the process – and this includes acquiring and organising it on their behalf. Healthcare professionals will ensure you are well-instructed on this responsibility.

Helping with loss of earnings

A significant consequence of obtaining a brain injury includes the fact that you won’t be able to work for a significant period or, in severe cases, potentially ever again. As someone they are now relying on, it’s important to seek out any support or solutions where possible.

Your loved one might also choose to make a brain injury claim due to acquired brain injuries, or you might decide to issue this on their behalf if they are not in a condition to initiate this conversation. If rewarded with compensation, this can help to cover key costs. Compensation could be awarded if the defendant owes you a legal duty of care or if negligence contributed to the accident.

Mental health support

Understandably, a brain injury can take its toll on a person’s mental health. Maintain good communication with your loved one and where possible, try to do things they enjoy or share positive memories with them. Often, they may also suffer from trauma, so take time to learn their triggers.