Guiding Caregivers Through Education After an Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is the result of any type of damage to the brain after birth. ABI can be divided into two main categories: traumatic or non-traumatic origin. Acquired Brain Injury
Early Intervention
In the acute phase of injury, caregivers and family members can be beneficial in stimulation and increased activation of brain activity to aid in rehabilitation.
Ergonomics and Safe Transfers
Through the use of proper transfer techniques, caregivers can protect the health and safety of both themselves and the person they are caring for.
Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are activities that take care of one’s own body. Caregivers take on a new role of assisting with these daily tasks along with ensuring they maintain their own self-care.
Medication Management
Medications play a critical role in support of recovery, symptoms, and improving well-being. Medication management includes creating a system to ensure safety and promote independence of the person with an ABI.
Psychosocial Regulation
Caregivers often have to balance their own emotional well-being while still meeting the demands of their loved ones. With the change in role, caregivers have to navigate through the rehabilitation of a brain injury and often face challenges, including stress, frustration, and isolation. It is pivotal to create adaptive strategies to support and nurture their own mental health and emotional regulation.
Community Resources
The journey of being a caregiver can be overwhelming, both emotionally and physically, as they learn to navigate the healthcare system and the new role.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, numerous support groups and foundations are available to offer a safe, understanding, and empowering space for caregivers to connect with others who share similar experiences.
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
— Audrey Hepburn
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Please reach out with any questions, concerns, input, or experiences.