The National Institute of Neurological Disorders[1] and Stroke (NINDS) describes Traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a form of acquired brain injury that occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue such as an injury after a Michigan car accident. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.
Michigan Bay Caregivers
If a loved one has sustained a brain injury in an auto accident, the person who will act as the caregiver may find that their new responsibilities have arisen suddenly and without warning. Few injuries result in the devastating and overwhelming damage that can accompany severe brain injury[2]. The loved one who sustains a brain injury may behave differently, think differently and even move differently.
Caregiving During Michigan Brain Injury Recovery
According to the American Psychological Association[3], the process of recovery following a Michigan brain injury can be long and demanding for both the survivor and the family. Caregivers typically progress through several phases of recovery following a family member’s brain injury. During the acute-care hospital stay, caregivers often neglect their home and work responsibilities, and may have difficulty transitioning back to their preinjury activities. They may have to take a practical approach, or pull together with friends and family for support to meet basic needs. Emotions reported include disbelief, grief and difficulty with acceptance. Once the survivor transitions to a rehabilitation program, caregivers tend to report hopes for a rapid recovery, but may also have decreased social support and an increased level of awareness that some changes in the survivor may be permanent. As is often the case, many Michigan caregivers assume the responsibility of providing the majority of care for the TBI survivor once rehabilitation is complete. Further, when thinking about the future, many caregivers experience a grieving process that includes redefining themselves, fear of long-term caregiver stress, and redefining their expectations.
A Michigan Caregiver Must Take Care of Themselves
Caregivers for Michigan brain injury patients should access their own coping strategies:
- Time: Take time for yourself to avoid caregiver fatigue. It is impossible to care for a loved one if the caregiver is physically or emotionally exhausted.
- Depression: It is important for a caregiver to acknowledge their own feelings of depression or anxiety.
- Support: Support groups can provide invaluable assistance for a caregiver or other family member.
- Education: It is important for all caregivers to educate themselves about brain injury and all available resources.
Contact a Michigan Auto Accident Attorney
If you are a caregiver for someone who sustained a brain injury after an automobile accident, it is important to speak to an experienced Michigan auto accident attorney. Please do not hesitate to call Michigan Injury Lawyers at 313-GET-HELP for a free consultation today.
References:
[1] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm
[2] http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/caregiving.html
[3] http://www.apa.org/pi/disability/resources/publications/newsletter/2015/03/brain-injury-caregivers.aspx