Stress Management Following Brain Injury: Strategies for Families and Caregivers Judith Falconer, PhD, Brain-train.com Page 2 of 2

4. Maximize the capabilities of the person with the brain injury

It is sometimes very difficult to determine just what the injured individual is capable of doing. Therefore, family members may do things for the injured individual that could and should be done independently. Persons who sustain head injuries continue to improve for years, learning new skills or new ways to do things. If the family doesn't "catch up," they keep on "doing for" rather than letting go. It often feels easier to do it yourself than to work regularly for a long term goal of independence or at least less dependency. But that strategy doesn't reduce the stress for the injured individual or for the family.

Many family members have explored or even participated in newly-developed cognitive retraining programs. They usually begin with a detailed analysis of the person's current capabilities and limitations. From this analysis the treatment program is developed and the progressive steps toward increased independence are outlined. Families can do the same kind of analysis. Start with your stress list. Pick the 5 most stressful situations which require that something be done for or to the injured individual. Evaluate what parts of that task the injured person could do himself/herself. ASK THE INJURED PERSON FOR SUGGESTIONS ON THIS PART OF YOUR TASK. That person may well have very good ideas of how the task could be accomplished more independently. Consider the following ways to accomplish the task:

• Change the time at which the task is done. If fatigue is a problem, for example, switch the task to an earlier time in the day or after a rest period. Schedule more time for completion of the task. Try to set up all necessary materials so the person can do the task independently. Use written instructions, photographs or picture demonstrations to allow the person to complete the task independently.

Basically I am suggesting you experiment to determine what the injured individual can do. You lose nothing by trying and the injured person may well be much more capable than others (or you) think. Give the person a chance. Give yourself a chance to reduce your stress. Allow the injured individual and the family to grow in a more relaxed atmosphere of increasing independence.

Reprinted with permission by Judith Falconer, PhD.  All rights reserved. www.brain-train.com.

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