Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide rehabilitation and support for people who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI).

But TBI does not affect only the person with the injuries. It impacts the families that surround them. There are things that can be done to help not only the person with TBI, but the caregiver and family too.

Here are some suggestions to provide support to the caregiver, family, and loved ones of the person with TBI:

Acknowledge That You Will Have an Emotional Response to This Event

This TBI will impact you and your family. This injury may cause emotional, physical, and financial stress. It is completely normal to feel denial, anger, depression, guilt, or responsibility.

You may have trouble sleeping, feel separated from life, lose interest in activities, and find it hard to remember things, or have the need to talk a lot about what has happened.

If these feelings occur, do not be alarmed. Find support and help around you to help you deal with this new situation in your life.

Learn Ways to Manage Stress

Stress is the wear and tear on your body, mind, and spirit caused by your reactions to life’s events. Stress occurs when we must adjust to change -- whether that change is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral.

Try some of the following to reduce your stress:

• Exercise every day
• Take breaks -- go for walks, change your scenery
• Call a friend
• Seek spiritual counseling
• Set priorities -- if you feel overwhelmed by too many responsibilities, make a list and start with the most important; if you can, let some things go
• Write in a journal
• Eat a balanced diet
• Learn a relaxation exercise (contact the social worker for assistance)
• Play with your pet
• Listen to your favorite music
• Take a bath
• Read for enjoyment

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

During your loved one’s recovery, you may stay at their bedside for hours, making sure they are eating, drinking, and resting. But in the process, you may sacrifice your own health and needs.

It is important to care for yourself with the same diligence as you care for your loved one. You will be a better support for them and be able to put more energy into their recovery if you are well fed, rested, thinking clearly, and prepared for the next step.

Rely on Your Support System

Being strong doesn’t mean taking responsibility for everything around you. Accept offers of help from others.

Think about tasks that others can do for you (laundry, cooking meals, running errands, grocery shopping, cleaning house, or sitting with the patient) and communicate this clearly.

This can ease your stress and make your friends and family feel like they are helping.

Educate Yourself

Take time to read articles, attend support groups, read books, and study resources on the internet. The more understanding you have about TBI and its impact on the patient, family, and yourself, the better you can cope with the changes in your life.

Learn How to Work with the Medical Team

The care of the patient is provided by a team of health care providers. The following tips may help you work with the team to provide the best care possible:

• Learn the team members’ roles and the part they play in the rehabilitation of the patient with TBI.
• Trust the different team members and allow them to work with the patient.
• Ask questions and discuss the patient’s care.
• Talk openly about your concerns -- it can reduce your frustration.
• To make sure that you remember your question and its answer, write down your question and its answer.
• Ask what can be done to help the patient when the nurse or therapist is not present.

Understand Burnout and How to Prevent It

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that results from expending too much energy while allowing too little time for recovery.

This leaves you feeling overwhelmed and incapable of coping with the situation. To assist in avoiding burnout, consider:

• Taking care of yourself
• Picking your priorities, then do what's important first
• Blowing off steam
• Recharging your interest
• Asking for help
• Not sweating the small stuff
• Planning your day

Acknowledge That Life Continues Outside of the Hospital

It may feel like your world has just come to a screeching stop. However, there are still work and family responsibilities away from the hospital that you must tend to.

You may be uncomfortable being away form the patient, but there will be things that require your attention. By taking the time to attend to those matters, you are taking care of yourself and your family.

You will also be able to better care for the patient when you are with him/her. You will be helping the patient with tasks and worries they are unable to tend to for themselves.

Be kind to yourself as you deal with this difficult new situation in your life. You can contact the Trauma Social Worker for more information or assistance.

Practical Tips for Your Stay at the Hospital

The following are practical tips that the family can use during their time at Duke University Hospital:

• Make one or two immediate family members a liaison to family and friends. When information is passed on from the medical staff, have only those people ask questions and relay the messages to other.
• Arrange visits with only two visitors in the room at one time.
• Schedule short visits (15-20 minutes). The patient needs rest in order to heal. And many times, too much visiting can overstimulate a person with TBI.

This information was adapted from and used with permission by the Family Caregiver Alliance. For more information, visit their Web site or call 415-434-3388.