Brain Care Networks

How Can I Help My Loved One While They Are In The Hospital?

Helping my Loved One

When a loved one is in the hospital with a brain injury, being there for them in the inpatient setting can make a significant difference in their recovery and well-being. Here are some ways family members and loved ones can help:

1. Provide Emotional Support: Simply being present and offering emotional support can be comforting for the patient. Sit by their bedside, hold their hand, and engage in conversations about their day, memories, or things that interest them.

2. Maintain Normalcy: Try to recreate a sense of normalcy by talking to them as you would on any other day before the injury. Share updates about family and friends, discuss current events, or reminisce about shared experiences.

3. Encourage Rehabilitation Activities: Encourage and support the patient in participating in rehabilitation activities recommended by healthcare professionals. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive exercises.

4. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the patient's condition, treatment plan, and any changes in their health. Ask questions and communicate with the healthcare team to ensure the best care for your loved one.

5. Take Care of Yourself: Remember to take care of yourself too. Managing your own stress and well-being will enable you to provide better support to your loved one during this challenging time.

By offering love, support, and encouragement, family members and loved ones can play a crucial role in the recovery journey of someone with a brain injury.

Pay Attention To The Environment

The environment is important for your loved one and their recovery!

Each of these measures is important for a patient recovering from a brain injury in the hospital because:

1. Keep music low or off: Loud music can overstimulate the brain and cause discomfort or agitation, which can be especially challenging for someone recovering from a brain injury who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli.

2. Dimming the lights: Bright lights can be overwhelming for a your loved one, especially if they are experiencing headaches or sensitivity to light. Dimming the lights creates a more comfortable environment and reduces sensory overload.

3. Limit the number of people (typically no more than 2-3): Too many people in the room can be distracting and stressful for your loved one. Limiting the number of visitors helps maintain a calm and focused atmosphere for recovery.

4. Eliminate clutter: Clutter can be visually overwhelming and can also pose a safety hazard for someone with limited mobility or cognitive impairments due to the brain injury. Removing clutter promotes a safe and organized environment.

5. Remove dangerous objects in the room: Your loved one may have impaired judgment or coordination, making them more susceptible to accidents. Removing dangerous objects reduces the risk of injury.

6. Talk in a calm but firm tone, keeping directions simple and clear: Patients recovering from a brain injury may have difficulty processing complex information or instructions. Using a calm and clear tone, along with simple and direct directions, helps your loved one understand and follow guidance effectively.

7. Avoid asking too many questions: Constant questioning can be overwhelming and frustrating for your loved one who may already be dealing with cognitive challenges. Minimizing the number of questions allows the patient to focus on essential information and reduces mental fatigue.

Be Patient With Your Loved One

Being patient is essential when supporting a loved one with a brain injury due to several reasons:

1. Recovery Takes Time: Recovery from a brain injury is a gradual process that often requires patience. It can take weeks, months, or even years for the individual to regain lost abilities or adjust to new ways of functioning. Being patient allows you to support their progress without unrealistic expectations.

2. Adjustment Period: Both the patient and their loved ones need time to adjust to the changes caused by the brain injury. Patience is crucial as everyone learns to navigate challenges, adapt to new routines, and find effective coping strategies.

3. Communication Challenges: Brain injuries can impact communication abilities, leading to difficulties in expressing thoughts or understanding information. Patience is necessary to communicate effectively, use alternative communication methods if needed, and give the person time to process and respond.

4. Emotional Rollercoaster: Dealing with a brain injury can evoke a range of emotions, including frustration, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. Being patient allows you to support your loved one through emotional ups and downs, validate their feelings, and provide reassurance.

5. Rehabilitation and Progress: Rehabilitation programs often require consistent effort and repetition for progress to occur. Patience is key in supporting the patient through therapy sessions, encouraging practice of skills, and celebrating small achievements along the way.

6. Respect for Individual Pace: Each person's recovery journey is unique, and progress may vary from one individual to another. Being patient means respecting the patient's pace of recovery, avoiding comparisons with others, and focusing on incremental improvements.

7. Building Trust and Support: Patience fosters trust and a supportive environment for the patient. It shows that you are there for the long haul, committed to their well-being, and willing to provide ongoing support regardless of challenges or setbacks.

In summary, patience is essential when supporting a loved one with a brain injury as it allows for gradual progress, effective communication, emotional support, respect for individual pace, and the building of trust and support throughout the recovery journey.

How Can I Help with Bed Positioning?

Ask staff before doing this!

Bed positioning is crucial for individuals with impaired arm or side function due to various reasons:

Prevention of Contractures: Proper bed positioning helps prevent contractures, which are permanent shortening of muscles and tendons. When a limb remains in a fixed position for an extended period, the muscles can become tight and stiff, leading to contractures. This can significantly limit mobility and cause discomfort.
Maintaining Range of Motion: Correct positioning of the affected arm or side helps maintain or improve range of motion. Regular movement and positioning adjustments prevent stiffness and promote flexibility in the muscles and joints. This is vital for rehabilitation and overall functional ability.
Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Adequate positioning reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. Pressure ulcers occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. By shifting the body’s weight regularly and using supportive aids like pillows, caregivers can minimize pressure points and promote skin integrity.
Optimizing Comfort and Support: Properly positioning the impaired arm or side ensures optimal comfort and support for the individual. This can improve sleep quality, reduce pain and discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. Using pillows or cushions strategically can provide added support and alignment.
Facilitating Activities of Daily Living: Correct bed positioning facilitates activities of daily living, such as eating, grooming, and engaging in therapy exercises. By positioning the body appropriately, caregivers can make these activities easier and more accessible for their loved ones, promoting independence and participation.
Enhancing Respiratory Function: For individuals with respiratory challenges, such as difficulty breathing or clearing secretions, proper bed positioning can help optimize respiratory function. Positioning techniques that promote lung expansion and drainage can improve breathing and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.

In summary, bed positioning and wheelchair positioning plays a crucial role in preventing complications, promoting rehabilitation, enhancing comfort, and facilitating daily activities for individuals with impaired arm or side function.

Caregivers should work closely with healthcare professionals to learn proper positioning techniques and implement them effectively to support their loved ones’ well-being.

How Do I Take Care Of Myself?

Why even help myself?

This is easier said than done.

We understand that prioritizing self-care while supporting a loved one with a brain injury can be challenging. However, taking care of yourself is crucial for your own well-being and your ability to provide effective support. It's easier said than done, but by incorporating self-care practices into your routine, you can better navigate this journey and be a source of strength for both yourself and your loved one.

Taking care of yourself while supporting a loved one with a brain injury is crucial for maintaining your own well-being and being able to provide effective support. Here are some tips on self-care for family members and loved ones:

1. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and understanding. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can be comforting and provide valuable insights.

Reminder we have a support group on facebook, please join. Even if it just to be a silent onlooker.

2. Set Boundaries: It's important to set boundaries to prevent burnout. Know your limits and communicate them to others. Delegate tasks when possible and prioritize self-care activities.

3. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, get regular exercise, and prioritize adequate sleep. Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.

5. Take Breaks: Allow yourself breaks from caregiving responsibilities to recharge. Even short breaks can make a significant difference in your energy levels and resilience.

6. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about brain injuries, caregiving strategies, and available resources. Knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and better support your loved one.

7. Utilize Support Services: Take advantage of support services such as respite care, counseling, and community resources. These services can provide additional assistance and guidance during challenging times.

8. Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that it's okay to have moments of frustration, sadness, or fatigue. Practice self-compassion and avoid self-criticism. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your efforts in supporting your loved one.

Prioritizing self-care allows you to be a more effective caregiver and maintain your overall well-being while supporting your loved one with a brain injury.

Please look under our “Resources” section for more information