Watching a loved one struggle through the tragic effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be incredibly depressing. If you’re caring for a person with TBI, it’s easy to feel frustrated at times and to lose patience. But at the end of the day, the assistance you provide to your family member could make a profound difference in their quality of life and overall recovery.
There are dozens of ways to help a loved one cope with a traumatic brain injury. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to alleviate the burden. Read on to learn a few techniques to make life easier for a person with a brain injury:
1. Take over Some Daily Chores
Many people visit their loved one in the hospital, but few continue to check up in person once the patient checks out. Unfortunately, leaving the hospital might just be an early step on a long road to recovery. It is common for a brain injury to make even the most routine tasks seem unfamiliar and challenging. Examples include cooking, doing laundry, cleaning the home, shopping for groceries, and driving the kids to school.
Taking over some of these tasks could make things a whole lot easier for your loved one. Many people who are recovering from brain trauma live on takeout meals and have to pay exorbitant costs for domestic help. By assisting with daily chores, you can help your family member save money, eat a healthier diet, and live with a bit less stress until they regain their independence.
2. Offer Transportation
Is your loved one still able to drive? The effects of TBI often prevent a person from driving for several months, which can be incredibly inconvenient. Also, the cost of rideshare services and other transportation can add up quickly. Consider setting up a transportation network with your close friends and family so the injured person won’t be so reliant on expensive services.
3. Exercise Patience
Your loved one may be dealing with serious depression, and their overall outlook on life may have been greatly diminished by the accident. They might project their discontent by expressing negative thoughts and behaving stubbornly. This can be frustrating and draining to caregivers.
As difficult as it may seem, the importance of being patient cannot be overstated. Do your best to avoid raising your voice and engaging in arguments. Try to stay compassionate and positive to the best of your ability.
4. Provide Some Distractions
There are all sorts of emotions a person may go through after suffering a brain injury. Loneliness, depression, and anger are all common. One way to keep these emotions in check is to provide some distractions. Playing videogames, doing puzzles, and reading books are all good options, as long as your family member’s doctor has not forbidden such activities during recovery. Mentally challenging activities are sometimes prohibited in the early stages of TBI recovery.
5. Maintain a Routine
Having a routine offers a multitude of benefits. It can contribute to better sleep and dieting habits, both of which play a role in physical recovery. A routine can also reduce confusion, which is a common side effect of TBI.
6. Get Outside
It is very common for people who are recovering from serious injuries to stay indoors for days at a time. But this isn’t healthy unless a doctor has advised your family member to remain inside. Going outdoors for just a few minutes each day can provide a much-needed change of scenery and a kick of vitamin D, which supports the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system.
Can Brain Injury Victims Seek Compensation for Domestic Help?
Yes. In a personal injury case, the claimant can seek compensation for any reasonable and necessary costs arising from the tort. In brain injury cases, domestic help may be considered a reasonable and necessary cost since TBI victims are often unable to perform daily chores and routine tasks.
Other damages that might be recoverable include:
- Transportation Costs: While it is certainly helpful for loved ones to provide transportation whenever possible, the costs associated with paid transportation services may be recoverable. This may include rideshare services, public transportation, and taxi services.
- Home and Vehicle Modifications: A brain injury can result in long-term or permanent cognitive and physical disabilities. To achieve optimal independence and quality of life, it is sometimes necessary for the victim to invest in home and vehicle modifications. Such costs may be included in the settlement figure.
- Medical Bills: The lifetime cost of care for a brain injury can easily surpass $1 million. Besides emergency treatment, it is often necessary for a brain trauma patient to undergo multiple surgeries over the course of several years, complete regular medical evaluations, and take prescription medications. All of these losses might be recoverable.
- Lost Income and Benefits: Any income you have lost due to your injury as well as income that you are reasonably certain to lose in the future due to the injury might be recoverable. It may be necessary for your brain injury lawyer to bring in medical, financial, and vocational experts to help with the settlement calculations and to provide deposition.
- Property Repairs: If the victim’s property was damaged in the accident, the settlement can account for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Non-Economic Damages: Emotional distress, pain and suffering, hedonic damages, and loss of consortium might all be recoverable.
- Punitive Damages: A punitive award may be available if the defendant acted with fraud, oppression, or malice.
Discuss Your Situation with a Brain Injury Attorney in Long Beach
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If your loved one has suffered a brain injury through no fault of their own, they may be entitled to substantial compensation. Attorney Michael D. Waks can review the case in a free consultation and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. Call (562) 206-1939 or send us a message online to set up a case evaluation.
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