As the most complex organ in the human body, when the brain suffers an injury, it can present completely differently in every individual. This means that there is no ‘one size fits all’ form of treatment, support, and rehabilitation.
If one of your loved ones has suffered a brain injury, there are still steps that you can take to help support them.
Understanding brain injuries
The first and most important step in supporting someone with any medical condition should be to educate yourself.
When it comes to brain injuries, it helps to understand the difference between an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
An ABI is typically caused by a medical condition, such as a stroke or brain tumour, whilst a TBI is caused by a physical injury.
These can cause different types of damage to the brain. Typically, someone who has suffered from a brain injury will experience changes to:
- Their emotions
- The way that they think
- Their physical abilities
- Their personality
Depending on the severity of these changes, your loved one may struggle to adapt to their life following a brain injury.
Setting up support systems
Due to the impact brain injuries have on people’s mental health, ensuring that your loved one has a support system can make a huge impact.
If they can, it may be beneficial to encourage them to meet and talk to others who have suffered brain injuries. This can help normalise what they have been through by talking to others with similar experiences.
Support groups can also be a good place for your loved ones to receive advice on how to cope and adapt to the changes in their brain.
You should also ensure that your loved one can lean on family and friends for support where possible. This can be a combination of emotional support and any practical support that they may need, such as lifts to appointments and help around the house.
Part of this support system may also need the assistance of nurses and carers.
Professional support
Your loved one’s medical professionals will be the first port of call for helping to plan rehabilitation following a brain injury.
At Almond Care, our carers work alongside your loved one and their medical professionals to create a dedicated and bespoke care plan. Not only will it be unique to your loved one’s symptoms and needs, but also their wants and priorities.
Complex care delivered in the home can allow your loved one to live the life that they choose to, whilst having the support and care that they need for their health.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more about the complex care we offer for those who have suffered from brain injuries.
