How can I support someone with acquired brain injury?

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) have a significant impact on the lives of the people who live with it and their loved ones. The injuries can stem from traumatic events such as falls, accidents, strokes or infections. The recovery journey and adapting to life after the injury will be challenging. Thus, the support from loved ones can make a big difference.

Seeing a loved one with an ABI can be upsetting. From the early stages and carrying on to long term recovery, any ideas and gestures, whether big or small can help in their recovery.

The effects of an acquired brain injury can differ from person to person, depending on the location and severity of the injury. However, the support that one can receive will remain very similar.

Emotional support

It is crucial to be understanding, patient and empathetic during their journey. You can:

• Listen with compassion, encourage them to express their feeling and thoughts freely without judgement or interruption.
• Be patient, celebrate all milestones whether big or small to boost their confidence.
• Offer encouragement regularly and express your belief in them.
• Acknowledge any feelings and emotions by validating them.

Practical support

In addition to emotional support, those living with brain injuries will require assistance with daily tasks. This will include:

• Medication management.
• Physical assistance with tasks such as getting ready and mobility to reduce accidents.
• Support in rehabilitation exercises.
• The simple every day jobs such as help with household tasks like shopping and cleaning, visiting the house to turns the lights on/off and putting the bins out and preparing the meals.

Learn more about brain injuries

One of the first steps for supporting someone with an acquired brain injury is to learn more about their specific injury.

Out and about

Encouraging them to maintain social activities with family and friends. This will also provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. However, it is important to keep their needs in mind as they may need to keep outing short, going somewhere quieter and to be understanding if they need to cancel any plans.

Encourage your friend to seek support

There are a variety of brain injury support groups such as Headway. These groups offer emotional, physical and sometimes, legal support and will allow someone living with a brain injury a unique community.

Caring for yourself

Supporting someone with an acquired brain injury can take a toll on you. Thus, it is important that you allow some self-care whether it is taking an evening away for a dinner or joining care giver support groups.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, we deliver exceptional care in the familiar surroundings of your own home. We provide personalised private acquired brain injury home care tailored to your individual needs in London and the Home Counties. To learn more about our care services and how we can assist with your needs, please reach out to our team at 020 3993 2209 or email us info@cavendishhomecare.com. We are here to discuss further and address any questions or concerns you may have.