Caring for a loved one with a brain injury
Firstly, we would like to recognise the situation you find yourself in. We understand that your family is going through a very difficult experience. Sustaining a brain injury can dramatically alter life at home, in work or in social settings. It also has an enormous impact on those who care for the person. Carers and family members can be forgotten after brain injury, and greatly struggle with the challenges.
Supporting carers and family members is a very important part of what we do. Our On With Life Carers and Families programme provides a support network. We also hope the information provided here will help you to navigate life after brain injury.
In hospital
It’s important that you, as a family, are supported to ask questions and have your voice heard in the hospital environment. This will lead to better outcomes for your loved one and for your family.
The team at the hospital will not have known your family member prior to their brain injury. Therefore, your knowledge and experience are vital. You can help provide information about your loved one, their likes and dislikes, their medical history, personality, and level of motivation. All of this can support the rehabilitation and recovery process.
Your family are key members of the rehabilitation team.
At home
Facing a return home for your loved one after their stay in hospital can be daunting. There may be a lot unknown about what to expect, and what is expected from you as a family. It can also be a time of excitement.
It’s important that families have as much information as possible about the supports and services available to them, at home and in their communities. It is not always easy to navigate service options, and supports are more available in some areas than others. We have provided some guidance to help you through this part of your journey, as well as resources to support you in your new family environment.
Caring for a child with a brain injury
A brain injury is sudden, devastating, and terrifying for both a child and their family. It can affect the entire family – the injured child, parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and other relatives. Parents whose children have an acquired brain injury experience a range of emotions. Coming to terms with these new circumstances can place a great strain on parents and can take time.
Our On With Life Programme for Parents and Carers of Under 18s offers specific supports for parents, siblings or professionals working with or caring for a child or young person with an acquired brain injury. The programme is available nationwide, free of charge.
On With Life Programme for Families and Carers
Living with and caring for someone with a brain injury is a life-changing event. Many family members are thrust into the role of carer without warning, while also trying to look out for the health and wellbeing of others, or manage a job outside the home. Juggling these challenges is far from easy. We are here to help you get ‘on with life’.
Our On With Life Programme for Families and Carers is a free support service, available nationwide to anyone caring for a loved one with an acquired brain injury. Our facilitated support groups are safe spaces to share questions, concerns and experiences with others in a similar role. The programme also provides resources and tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and understand more about brain injury and the life you are currently living.
