Your loved one is a survivor...
The symptoms of concussion are real.
It may take a long time for your loved one to recover.
Your survivor may need help in day-to-day life.
You may never be fully prepared for all the obstacles you may encounter in the recovery process.
Do the best you can, do what you are able, and try to support your survivor as much as possible.
Here are a few small pieces of advice to consider when caring for your survivor:
The symptoms of concussion are real.
It may take a long time for your loved one to recover.
Your survivor may need help in day-to-day life.
You may never be fully prepared for all the obstacles you may encounter in the recovery process.
Do the best you can, do what you are able, and try to support your survivor as much as possible.
Here are a few small pieces of advice to consider when caring for your survivor:
- Tiredness, a loss of motivation &/or apathy are often some of the first signs family members see after their loved one has experienced a concussion. You may see it when your survivor just doesn't seem to have the energy to get out of bed. Feeling completely drained is common, and is part of the process of healing. You may slowly or quite suddenly observe decreased initiation, or difficulty starting a task. It is important to help your survivor relearn how to help themselves when they can’t initiate. This process can be difficult when there is a persistent lack of motivation which occurs fairly frequently for many overcoming concussion. Rest is the most critical part of recovery, but after prolonged periods of rest (sometimes months or years) it is key to assist in overcoming a profound loss of physical drive, to rebuild stamina and chase away depression. "If they cannot do, don’t force them."
- From a survivor's perspective, "it can be frustrating listening to everyone telling you what to do." Concussion can completely rearrange the lives and social structures of the injured. Now unable to do for themselves what once they could do so readily without assistance, frustration, or pain- a new course of life and recovery begins to emerge. The survivor certainly may not be happy with the loss of independence ( loss of driving privileges, inability to stand long periods cooking, etc.) and they may express the desire to be able to do what they could before. It is important to remind your survivor that just because their current abilities are different from their former capabilities doesn’t mean they will never be able to do those things again- help your loved one practice regaining abilities!
- Exercise common sense. For example, loud music or flashing lights can trigger symptoms and are not advisable for use around your survivor.
- Sometimes survivors have limited ability to solve problems and may have some difficulty with decision making. If you encounter this with your survivor, provide limited choices and support them in selecting the best option for the situation. If they need help deciding, make a kind suggestion and help them reason through the decision. For example, at dinner offer one or two choices ( not everything in the pantry ). Simplify to save time and frustration.
- Always allow more time to get ready for appointments. Neither a missing medical folder nor early morning traffic can stop you when you build in an extra 30 minutes.
- Probably the best piece of advice on this list: Communication is the most important tool for families in overcoming concussion. Always try to communicate effectively and kindly with your survivor.
- Care giving can be challenging both mentally and physically; for some it can even be spiritually and emotionally draining. Therefore, try to take time for yourself to rest and rejuvenate! You cannot assist your survivor or yourself if you are completely exhausted.
- Avoid confrontations or power struggles. If your survivor has been displaying emotional or aggressive outbursts, arguing will not improve the situation.
- Adding to the previous bullet, a difficult, yet sometimes necessary tactic to use when a survivor is upset: Selectively ignore certain behaviors. Silence and walking away can also curtail heightening stress or further upsetting a survivor or yourself. The only caveat to this: if your survivor is deeply depressed or speaks of committing suicide- always take action to get your survivor professional help-Call 911.
- Your survivor may not be the same person that they were before concussion. They may exhibit different tendencies or personality changes, and may never be identical to the person that they were pre-concussion.
- Reevaluate and adjust expectations (from those originally set). If your survivor set a goal to be able to drive for 30 minutes, but can only make it a few minutes, don't let them push their limitations. Verify progress and reset based on current abilities.
- Encourage, encourage, encourage! Care giving not only involves assisting your loved one, but also providing encouraging emotional support. “With time and rest, you can recover!”
Put yourself in their position from time to time.
How would you feel if the roles were reversed?
How would you feel if the roles were reversed?
This list was designed to help you identify areas of concern so you can try to prepare possible solutions for any issues that may arise. We hope this will help you consider how address and manage day to day needs with your survivor.
- Prepare meals
- Run errands
- Go to the grocery store
- Assist with mail
- Assist with paying bills
- Drive survivor to appointments
- Be present: physically and emotionally
- Be sensitive to survivor’s emotions and needs
- Be an advocate
- Bathing & Restroom Use
- Activity
- Safety
- Doctor Appointments
- Shopping
- Companionship
- Mobility & Travel
- Finances
- Home Upkeep
- Medications
- Balance & Stability
- Record Keeping
- Morning & Evening Routine
- Keep environment healthy for the survivor: quiet, limited light, appropriate temperature, no added stress.
Explore More Information on How to Help Your Survivor