Head in the Right Direction…Help For Carers of the Brain Injured

In the UK, there are over one million people who have suffered a brain injury. The impact on the individual will be life changing and often procedures are put in place to ensure the individual is cared for and can have the best quality of life in their circumstances.

However, what happens to the person who cares for the injured person. This generally is a family member, friend or neighbour who cares for the injured person, often on a full time basis. As a carer you may feel emotions of anger, denial, fear and anxiety, guilt and sometimes feelings of depression.

Caring for a person with a brain injury can cause a heavy burden and often results in physical stress and sometimes financial worries.

Headway (The Brain Injury Association) carried out a survey on the impact caused on carers

The Results

• Approximately 50% of carers were not aware that they were entitled to carer’s assessment.
• 60% of carers did not feel they received adequate support from local authorities.
• 59% of carers showed signs of clinical depression.

Useful Tips for Carers

Here are some useful support tips to help you:

• Seek advice from Headway.
• It’s important to talk and seek help. Speak to a support group through Headway, so you can speak to other carers to get support.
• Ask for help from your GP or local authority and get a carer’s assessment in place.
• Talk to other family members.
• Take care of yourself and ensure that you take regular breaks, eat properly and sleep.
• Get financial advice from your bank and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
• Talk to your GP about possible Counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Treatment.
• Check to see if the injured party is entitled to home care services such as help with bathing and washing and respite care.
• Ask for an Occupational Therapist to suggest adaptions to the home which might make daily living better.
• Try to keep a diary of dates which is easily accessible for appointments.
• Maintain your hobbies and interests and social interactions.

Becoming a carer is a difficult challenge. Don’t ever feel alone. Ask for Help.

Headway have launched an online community called Headway Health Unlocked which may offer some support.