How to Take Care of Your Family After a Serious Injury

When someone in your family suffers a serious injury, it can feel as though your world has been flipped upside down. Knowing what to do next and how to move forward can be tough. This article will discuss some of the ways you can take care of your family after a loved one suffers a serious injury.

The News That No One Wants

It’s a sad fact that sometimes people suffer serious injuries through no fault of their own, whether it’s through an accident at work, at home or on the roads. However the injury happens, the individual and their family are then left to deal with the long-term consequences.

How to Cope as a Family

When a member of your family suffers a serious injury, the effects can be felt throughout the whole family for a long time afterwards. Depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the person, their – and your – everyday life may change drastically.

It’s important, therefore that you take steps not just to look after your injured loved one but yourself and each other too. Here are a few ways to take care of your family after someone in it suffers a serious injury.

Know Your Limits

When a family member is seriously injured, it’s only natural that you will want to do as much as you can to care for them and make their life easier. To be able to provide care, however, you need to take care of yourself too. That’s why it’s vital that you maintain your own life that is separate from your caregiving duties. Keep in touch with friends, maintain your hobbies and be sure to set aside time for self-care.

Do Your Research

Familiarising yourself with your loved one’s injury or illness will help you understand better what they’re going through and ensure that you know what to expect. Get as much information as you can from their doctor and medical team and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can also do your own research but remember that not everything you read online will apply to your loved one’s condition or situation. If appropriate, you might want to seek legal advice, such as making an enquiry with a solicitor specialising in brain injury claims.

Don’t Forget the Person

When a family member is seriously injured with long-lasting and severe consequences, it can seem as though their condition ‘takes over’, particularly if you’re stepping into the role of caregiver. It’s important to remember that they’re more than their injury and that your relationship with them shouldn’t just be one of carer and patient. Make sure you maintain the bond between you by doing things together that aren’t related to their injury and taking time to chat about other things.

Include Others

Don’t take on everything yourself or it will quickly become too much. Involve others in caregiving to give yourself a break and avoid other family members feeling pushed out. You should also try to maintain normal family routines as much as possible, for example, if you have children, then keep mealtimes and bedtimes the same and ensure they can attend school and other activities as usual wherever possible. This provides some stability for everyone and prevents other family members from feeling resentful.