What are the special needs of acquired brain injury clients?

Answer 1

While no two people will be the same, learning the basics about traumatic brain injuries will help you understand and relate to your clients. Here is a link to an article going over the realities of TBI:

http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/Coping-traumatic-brain-injury/index.html

and another going over recovery-related aspects:

http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/recovery-traumatic-brain-injury/index.html

Answer 2

Like most parts of our bodies, our brains are delicate organs that are susceptible to injury and damage. While our skulls effectively encase and protect our brains, severe blows to the head can cause mild to serious brain trauma that may have permanent effects. Unfortunately, those who suffer permanent brain damage, also known as traumatic brain injury (TBI), will not be able to carry on with life in a normal fashion: because our brains control everything from our breathing and heart beats to our muscle reflexes and speech capacity, traumatic brain injury patients may be unable to walk, talk and even breathe by themselves. Because traumatic brain injury will dramatically impede a person's ability to function (either physically, mentally or both), TBI patients may become depressed, anxious or otherwise emotionally disturbed. Consequently, attending therapy, going to support groups and possibly taking medication may be necessary to help TBI patients learn to accept and work with their new abilities. Patients' families may also become depressed or anxious due to the change in their loved one and the added responsibility of caring for the traumatic brain injury patient. In these cases, family therapy (either with or without the patient), as well as support groups, can help families learn how to cope with their own feelings and find strength in talking with others who have similar experiences. http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/Coping-traumatic-brain-injury/index.html

Answer 3

The needs of someone with a traumatic brain injury can be many. Depending on the severity of the injury they may need the assistance of a caregiver 24/7 with anything from eating, cooking, walking, communicating, or taking medication.

Caregiving often falls to a family member, a parent, grandparent, sibling or spouse.