Six Simple Rules For Caregivers Of Brain And Spinal Cord Injury Survivors
Family members can suffer great emotional and physical hardship due to the care of a loved one that is disabled. Fortunately, there are many things that caregivers can do to ensure the best care for their loved ones and also attend to their own needs.
Step 1: Introduction
Hi, I'm Marcy from BrainAndSpinalCord.org. Today I'm going to be talking about the important role of the caregiver in brain and spinal cord injuries. And six simple rules they should follow. Be sure to check the web site for all relevent links and a recap of this article.
Step 2: Caregivers
Brain and spinal cord injuries don't just affect those who have been injured. Anyone who has a family member who has suffered a brain or spinal cord injury knows that these injuries quickly become family issues. In most instances it is up to the family member to take care of the physical, emotional, economic, and social needs of the survivor.
While caretaking can be an extremely rewarding experience, it can also be frustrating, exhausting, and overwhelming. And many times, the caretaker feels totally alone, as if nobody else understands what he or she is going through.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, caregivers suffer more depression, anxiety, and stress than the general population. By following six simple rules, caregivers can ensure the best care for their loved ones, while also attending to their own needs.
Step 3: Take Care Of Yourself
You can't expect to take care of someone else if you don't take care of yourself first. Attend to your own health and wellness by eating well, exercising every day, and getting plenty of sleep. Staying energized and well will help you make better decisions and keep you emtionally balanced during difficult times.
Step 4: Connect With Your Caregivers
Caring for your loved one can feel very isolating at times. Connecting to others that are in your situation will give you wisdom and strength. Try support groups, online communities, or even therapudic counseling.
Connecting with other caregivers allows you to share your frustrations, celebrate your victories, and trade knowlege with people who understand.
Step 5: Educate Yourself
Knowing as much as possible about your loved one's condition and how it will affect them emotionally, physically, and behaviorally, will prepare you for the demands that will be made on you.
The Internet, doctors, and other health professionals are there to help you understand your loved one's condition. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to.
Step 6:
Rule four: Get help. The importance of taking a break every now and then cannot be underestimated. Brothers, sisters, spouses, and parents should be called on to fill in as necessary. If other family members aren't able to fill in so you can get away for the weekend, catch a movie, or have dinner with a friend, respite care is another option.
Step 7: Be An Advocate
The time following a spinal cord and brain injury is extremely emotional and overwhelming for the survivor. Be prepared to speak out on your loved one's behalf or ask any questions that he or she is not comfortable asking.
You'll also want to help navigate legal and financial issues; as well as help make decisions regarding rehabilitative or nursing care.
Step 8: Get Tech Savvy
There are a number of technological tools our there designed to help your loved one lead as independent of a life as possible. Get to know as much as possible about adaptive equipment, tools, and homecare products relating to brain and spinal cord injury. Not only will these help your loved one, they will help you as well.
Step 9: Conclusion
This concludes our segment on the role of the caregiver and brain and spinal cord injury and six simple rules they should follow. Remember to check our website for the most up-to-date information including resources and tips regarding brain and spinal cord injuries. And thanks again for watching.
