>> LEE WOODRUFF: Your mind is probably crowded with thoughts about what has happened to you
or your loved one, as well as from the information shared in this video so far.
It’s a lot to adjust to and to comprehend.
I know.
During this time, and later, you’ll probably experience normal emotional stages that include
mourning and grief.
Although the grieving process is different for everyone, it’s common to experience
denial and disbelief, followed by sadness, anger, bargaining, and finally acceptance.
It’s natural and important to grieve the way things were before the injury.
You may feel overwhelmed, or try to go on like nothing has changed.
Everyone copes with these feelings in different ways.
Don’t be surprised if your relationships with family and friends are tested.
With time and support, you’ll begin to adjust to the challenge of brain injury and understand
your “new normal.”
At the trauma care center, you may find initial support from a chaplain on staff or from your
own religious or spiritual leaders.
Private or group counseling and support groups may also help.
This is a critical time to network among your personal community.
Almost everyone finds that they have a friend or a relative who knows someone who’s been
through something similar who can give you advice and support.
This is not the time to be a hero.
Ask for help from your church, neighbors, and your colleagues.
Once your loved one is stablized and you have an initial understanding of their condition,
it’s time to begin planning for what comes next.
>> DR.
SUSAN CONNORS: A case manager or financial representative here at the hospital will help
you understand your options for payment, depending on health care coverage, workers compensation,
Medicare or Medicaid benefits or private pay options you may have.
>> LEE WOODRUFF: As you navigate the complex requirements for your loved one’s recovery,
it’s a good idea to appoint one family member or close friend to serve as a point person.
This worked very well for our family.
This person can work with the case manager to negotiate the maze of insurance and government
organizations that may impact your loved one’s case and reimbursements.
Be sure this is a person who can follow-through on gathering everyone’s questions, getting
them answered, and not taking “no” for an answer when something important is at stake.
They should also keep a notebook for taking notes, writing down answers to questions from
the patient’s healthcare team and also noting important milestones or setbacks so you can
either report to the doctor, but also help the patient achieve the maximum recovery possible.
Even though my doctors told me it would be a long time, I was still unprepared for how
long the road to recovery would be.
So as you consider the options available, think about these questions.
Can any family member or members assist you with caregiving?
Can friends or family take turns?
Is any close friend or family member retired, working part-time or able to take time off
from work and other commitments to help?
Or do your options include hiring a live-in caregiver, if necessary?
Are there friends, neighbors, church and community group members who can form a support team
or help with fundraising?
Do you have someone you can count on who has good access and knowledge of basic computer
skills and the internet to receive emails and join online support groups or communities
that provide a collective volunteer database and calendar?
> DR.
SUSAN CONNORS: Many states have tax-funded offices to support people with disabilities.
Check with your county and state to see what resources they offer, such as online directories
for expert personal care attendants, specialized transportation services, and even advocates
who can help your loved one get back to work, if possible.
Empower yourself as much as possible by checking out local support groups, and statewide and
nationally-recognized brain injury organizations, such as the one I represent, Brain Injury
Association of America, or others including the American Heart Association, and the American
Stroke Association.
They offer helpful tools and checklists you can find right online.
Be somewhat wary of random internet surfing of topics related to brain injury.
Instead, rely on websites for these reputable organizations that have already consolidated
information in a helpful way.
>> LEE WOODRUFF: Recovery from the initial trauma of your loved one’s brain injury
takes time, but many people who have brain injuries go on to lead fulfilling lives.
It’s essential to stay motivated and get the support you need.
It’s important for family members to take care of themselves too.
Try to take turns at the trauma care center so that you can get some rest.
Lack of sleep can make your stress far worse and put you at risk for getting sick.
Take a brisk walk or continue hobbies like knitting or crossword puzzles to briefly take
your mind off what’s happened.
That way you’ll have better focus.
No one impacted by brain injury ever “gets over” it, but as the months and years go
by, you will cope and adjust.
The best way to make a healthy adjustment is to keep an open mind during every step
of the process, and to never give up hope.
Take advantage of all the therapeutic opportunities, talk about your feelings and concerns, and
meet with other people and families who have been through this.
They can help you.
Healthcare continues to evolve so that patients with even the most devastating brain injuries
can live comfortably.
Our part – yours and mine - remains the same.
As participants in a family or friendship that involves someone with a brain injury,
we can only do our human and personal best.
I used to tell everyone, including my kids, “I’m only one mommy, doing the very best
that I can.”
We need to encourage, support and care for the person we love while taking good care
of ourselves, which I know is not always easy.
You’re gonna be surprised of the stuff that you’re made of.
You are resilient.
I leaned on every ounce of strength I had – you can too, I know you can.
I fully believe in the power of faith, family, friends, hope and love.
They brought my family to the great place that we’re at today.
And they will for you too.
>> JUDY FORTIN: We hope this video has been helpful and will continue to be as you watch
it again and share it with friends and family members.
Refer to the print or online companion booklet as a handy tool to help you remember definitions
and helpful websites.
Thank you for watching.
We wish you all the best toward the most fulfilling life possible for your loved one
and your family.