Caring for family members with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be challenging. As part of its work, the Homecare Advisory Group offers several tips for assisting a loved one with TBI. 

The Homecare Advisory Group aids New York residents as it relates to helping seniors, veterans, and people with debilitating injuries such as TBI. The advisory group acts primarily as a resource for guiding its clients through processes to get care in their homes and communities.

In assisting others with TBI, the Homecare Advisory Group states that one of the best things that a person can do is to educate themselves regarding the condition itself, the road to recovery, and the time frame it might take to recover. Education also includes understanding long-term care alternatives, such as the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program. This program, offered through the New York State Department of Health, helps those with TBI leave nursing homes and live in communities or completely avoid living in nursing homes.

The advisory group also suggests that persons caring for someone with TBI seek professional help. TBI rehabilitation specialists and counselors are among those who can help. Also, getting involved with a support group can be another resource in seeking assistance in handling challenging aspects of helping someone with TBI.

Outside of educating oneself and reaching out to professionals, the person should set realistic expectations for helping the person recover from their injuries. Again, knowing about the recovery process can help with establishing incremental, achievable goals. It’s also important to celebrate victories, regardless of the size of the achievement.

TBI can wreak havoc on the order and routine of the person affected and their families. For this reason, the person should re-establish routine by creating structure in their daily lives. For example, establishing a time to get out of and go to bed, or creating rituals around bedtime such as meditating or reading, are small ways to gradually restore order. In addition to restoring order, these routines can address anxiety by re-establishing some semblance of normalcy.