CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER
As a caregiver, you mainly focus on taking care of someone else. When you want to help a loved one suffering from a brain injury, the first thing you need to do is take care of yourself. If you do not take care of yourself first, you will have much more difficulty caring for your loved one. Remember that you are important, too. The entire family is affected when someone acquires a brain injury. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed and burdened. It is even okay to mourn the loss of who your loved one used to be after a serious brain injury. Knowing the support assistances available to you can help ease some of these burdens and pains because rehabilitation is an ongoing process that tends to take a lot of time, maybe even years.
In-home services are available to help you and your loved one. These services include but are not limited to brain injury support groups, counseling for the adjustments that will come due to the injury, personal care assistants or health aides, and so much more. Asking your own support system for help is very courageous and brave. Leaning on them will help with the stress of caring for someone with a brain injury so that you do not burn yourself out.
Remember to fight for your loved one so that they can receive the care and assistance they deserve. You might have to advocate on their behalf in order to receive necessary services. Educate yourself on the services available after injury occurs and speak to your family, friends, and colleagues for advice on which services will best fit your loved one.
In-home services are available to help you and your loved one. These services include but are not limited to brain injury support groups, counseling for the adjustments that will come due to the injury, personal care assistants or health aides, and so much more. Asking your own support system for help is very courageous and brave. Leaning on them will help with the stress of caring for someone with a brain injury so that you do not burn yourself out.
Remember to fight for your loved one so that they can receive the care and assistance they deserve. You might have to advocate on their behalf in order to receive necessary services. Educate yourself on the services available after injury occurs and speak to your family, friends, and colleagues for advice on which services will best fit your loved one.
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© Brain Injury Association of Georgia.
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Brain Injury Association of Georgia
P.O. Box 2817 Woodstock, GA 30188-9998 |