Talk independently with the therapists
If they have permission to share updates with you, talking one-on-one with the therapist is a great way to track your loved one’s progress. They can give you feedback, tips, and next steps that will help in the rehabilitation process.
Use a notebook to help track progress, recommendations, and steps for exercises
There’s a lot of information to take in throughout the recovery process. It’s easy for information to be forgotten or missed. Having a digital or hardcopy notebook to track progress, write down conversations and keep instructions will help you stay organized and make sure nothing is missed. It will also be helpful to keep therapists updated on activities between appointments – this can provide valuable insight as the rehabilitation plan progresses.
Give yourself and your loved one breaks
While it’s important to commit to rehabilitation activities, it’s also important to take breaks. If you or your loved one push themselves too much, they could experience fatigue, negative emotions or be unable to perform the rehabilitation activities.
By taking breaks as recommended by the rehabilitation specialists, both you and your friend/family member will be refreshed and able to focus.
Practice patience
Brain injury is challenging for everyone involved, and it’s easy to get frustrated. It’s important to remember that rehabilitation is helpful but it’s not a cure for brain injury symptoms. Recovery takes time, and in many cases, there will be permanent changes in your friend/family member. You will need to be patient with the process, the person with the brain injury and with yourself.
Set up a space at home for rehabilitation activities
This tip is specifically for caregivers who have a survivor living at home. Often rehabilitation exercises are meant to be done regularly between appointments, like homework. They’re designed so that they can easily be done in residential settings. Setting up a small space or keeping all the home rehabilitation equipment in one area will help both of you stay organized and more easily complete the rehab homework.
