How to Care for Someone with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Taking care of someone with Traumatic Brain Injury is hard, tedious and often requires knowledge and experience. A caregiver can help you in the process and take good care of your loved ones. The article explains some tips on looking after a patient who suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury and is also useful for caregivers.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

“A sudden trauma causes brain damage,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and this is how Traumatic Brain Injury occurs. A traumatic brain injury known as TBI can happen if the head is struck by something suddenly and violently or if an object is pierced through the skull and enters the brain tissue. Each traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unique, and symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the brain damage.

What are the Symptoms of a TBI?

Individuals who suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may experience any or all of the symptoms listed below:

• Losing consciousness
• Confused, sluggish, or worn out
• Having a headache or feeling lightheaded and dizzy
• Seeing things blurry or feeling as if your eyes are tired
• Hearing an imaginary ringing sound in ears
• Sleep, behavior, or memory or concentration patterns being disrupted

The path to recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unpredictable. As a caregiver, you must be ready for anything that may arise during the recovery process.

Tips on caring for someone who suffers from a TBI

There is no one fit for all treatment over a traumatic brain injury. The type of care required will be determined by the length and difficulty of the recovery process. The following are some general guidelines for taking care of someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury:

Sleep well and get enough rest

This is correct for both the caregiver and the person who has sustained a traumatic brain injury. Recovery and rehabilitation can only occur with adequate sleep, which is why it is so important. Regular rest is important when doing tasks that use little to no energy.

Always think about prevention when making decisions

A mild head injury or another TBI should never be allowed to put your loved one in jeopardy. Try to be more cautious and take safety measures or standards.

Before resuming normal activity, speak with your doctor

Although most injuries can be predicted, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) cannot be predicted and is difficult to quantify. Before beginning any new regular exercise program, talk to your doctor first (i.e., driving, exercise, etc.).

Stay away from alcoholic drinks and cigarettes

Make sure your loved one doesn’t drink or smoke while you’re with them. The result could be a major setback or even more brain damage.

Record your daily activities in a journal

Keep a journal of your day-to-day activities for the benefit of your doctor and your loved oneS. As much as is practical, ask them to record their daily activities to recognize their own handwriting later.

Don’t hide the medications you’re taking from your doctor

Be sure to discuss any medication you are taking, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter, with your doctor. Be seriously careful and pay attention to what your loved one is taking. Extra care and attention are required.

If at all possible, seek treatment in a rehabilitation facility

While you can provide most of your loved one’s daily care at home, you should consider using a rehabilitation facility or service to aid in their recovery.

Organize everything

Make an effort to keep your house in order. Keep an eye on where things are usually kept to avoid getting them mixed up. It will help the recovery process.

Follow the same routine every day

Bring as much consistency as possible in their day-to-day lives. This will help people with memory problems avoid becoming overwhelmed. Speak with your loved one ahead of time about any deviations or permanent changes from the usual routine, so they are prepared.

Be patient and wait

Allocate enough time for your loved one to complete the task at hand. It’s frustrating, but it’s critical to let them go at their own pace when completing tasks.

Assist them in formulating plans

Memory loss and fatigue are common side effects for those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Developing techniques on which your loved one can rely, can be extremely beneficial. You would better consult with your physician or health expert in preparing plans.

Recognize exhaustion

When people with brain trauma are going through the recovery process and receiving multiple types of therapy, it’s easy for them to get burned out. It is particularly true with the rehabilitation processes such as physical, occupational, speech therapy.

It’s critical to know where they are in the healing process so you can give them the support they need at this time.

Provide them with psychological support

Caregivers and other people who are a part of the care team are well-positioned to determine what factors contribute to a better life quality for people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It’s possible to help a loved one feel fulfilled after a brain injury limits what they can do by keeping their sights set on their personal goals despite mood changes and physical symptoms.

Taking care of Traumatic Brain Injury patients in Las Vegas

Taking care of patients who have Traumatic Brain Injury can be a bit hard. You might need help from someone with knowledge and experience. A caregiver can provide the best care of patients in their place of residence. Health and Care Professional Network has provided the best in-home care services for the elderly, the disabled, and patients in need of help in Las Vegas for +15 years now. Give us a call at  (702) 871-9917 to receive information on taking care of your loved ones, and our programs and services.