Learn about traumatic brain injuries and the caregiving resources available
Depending on the severity of the injury, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect peoples’ ability to perform the functions of their day-to-day lives, so working with a caregiver for support and coping can greatly aid in recovery efforts.
At least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the population, currently live with disabilities related to brain injury, so the need for caregiving services is evident. [2]
Continue reading to learn more about traumatic brain injuries and a list of some of the best caregiving resources for TBI warriors and their loved ones.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden external assault that causes damage to the brain.
TBI is a broader term for the two types of brain injuries, primary and secondary brain injury. Primary injury refers to the injury to the brain that is sudden and at the time of impact. Secondary brain injury refers to the evolved damage of the brain hours or days after impact.
Common TBI symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Decreased awareness
- Communication deficits
- Poor balance
- Sensory deficits
- Personality or psychiatric changes
- And more. [3]
What type of rehabilitation treatment do TBI warriors require?
Many people who experience a traumatic brain injury require rehabilitation. Rehabilitation allows for TBI warriors to improve their abilities in performing daily tasks, including walking, talking, or even cooking a meal.
Depending on the severity of the brain injury, there are many types of rehabilitation specialists that can help, including:
- Psychiatrists
- Neuropsychologists
- Rehabilitation nurses
- Recreational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech and language therapists
- In-home caregivers
Finding ways to cope and discovering the right support are vital strategies in a TBI warrior’s healing process. Following a routine and avoiding distractions, such as loud background noise, are simple tasks to help cope and support your loved one with rehabilitation.
Should I enlist the support of a caregiver for my loved one with a TBI?
All of the rehabilitation and support needed for those with TBIs can be an immense burden on family caregivers. On average, family caregivers spend more than 57 hours a week caring for someone with disabilities. That’s more than 8 hours a day. [1] That is why it can be extremely valuable to work with a trained caregiver to offer support to your loved one with a TBI and alleviate the burden on you.
Resources:
We have compiled a list of useful resources and services for you or your loved one with TBI:
- National Disability Rights Network Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Disabilities provides a multitude of services to people with disabilities, including TBIs. Their website provides services and solutions to problems involving discrimination amongst those with disabilities.
- Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems is a resource for researchers within the TBI program. TBI model systems have extensive experience with people with TBI and have 16 TBI treatment centers throughout the U.S.
- The Brain Injury Association of America is a national advocacy and awareness organization that provides information and resources about TBIs. This association is found throughout the U.S. through its state affiliates.
- The Brain Injury Handbook is a free resource for brain injury recovery. This handbook helps navigate the TBI rehabilitation process for you or a loved one.
Looking for an in-home caregiver for you or a loved one with a TBI?
At Flourish in Place, we’re proud to provide home care services for not only seniors, but all people with disabilities aged 18 and older.
Specifically, we can provide caregiving support to your loved one suffering from a TBI. Our caregivers can help take the patient to and from physical therapy and other treatment centers, keep a routine to avoid confusion and frustration and assist with other tasks like cooking, cleaning, or keeping up with medications that may be difficult for the TBI patient to complete.
We provide options for all needs and specialize in helping families in Central Florida find the appropriate level of care for their loved ones.
To learn more, please request your Free Consultation today!
Sources:
1: United Healthcare | Caregiving for people with disabilities
2: Family Caregiver Alliance | Traumatic Brain Injury
