Returning to Some Sense of Normalcy After TBI

When a member of your family suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), your entire family feels the effects. Caregivers of those with significant brain injuries may experience varying levels of feeling burdened, angry, distressed and even differing levels of depression. The burdens are severe and life-altering for the victim and their loved ones. There are resources available to help your family return to some sense of normalcy after a TBI.

Managing Stress and the Home

Family members and concerned friends may approach with offers of assistance, but without a plan of action, it may create more work just to ascertain what, if anything, others can do to help. Until a regular routine can be established, others may be able to help with the following tasks:

• Laundry
• Cleaning
• Preparing meals
• Lawn care
• Banking
• Carpooling / providing transportation
• Caring for small children or pets

A great resource to help arrange for team caregiving is Share the Care. This non-profit organization provides resources to help you organize chores, care for caregivers and much more.

While the family often focuses their complete attention on the loved one with a TBI, others are affected and often neglected. When a TBI occurs, everyone in the family suffers traumatic changes and will need assistance coping. The Brain Injury Association of America provides resources for the entire family. We recommend families begin by reading the following two articles:

• Family News and Views: Brothers and Sisters
• Family News and Views: Brain Injury is a Family Affair

Long-Term Issues with TBI

After the injured loved one returns home, new routines must be established and many questions must be resolved. Roles within the family may change. Financial circumstances may change. Arrangements and provisions for ongoing care may need to be established. Roles and responsibilities will need to be defined and met. In some cases, recovery for both the TBI victim and their family will take a lifetime.

Two of the most important factors for families coping with a TBI are information and partnerships. The following resources for families provide help and encouragement to those dealing with traumatic brain injuries.

• The Brain Injury Association of America Community
• Brain Injury Associates State Affiliates
• TBI Factsheets
• The Realistic Hope TBI Community

Legal Help with a TBI

Edwards and Patterson Law is a firm of compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys who will represent your TBI legal claim with dignity and professionalism. Let us become an important part of your information and advocacy partnerships as we fight to gain you the financial remuneration you deserve after your accident. Ongoing medical expenses and care are costly, and your family needs all the assistance possible to adequately provide for your injured loved one. We can help.

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to an accident in eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa or McAlester, fill out our online contact form or call us today at 877-403-8417 to arrange your no-obligation consultation. You pay absolutely no attorney fees unless you are awarded compensation.