Spinal cord injuries can significantly affect the lives of those who are directly impacted. These injuries are often life-altering, and the road to recovery is long.
It’s important to remember that spinal cord injuries also have an effect on family members too. As a family member, you may feel lost in terms of how you can help. Outlined below are a few tips that could help with this process.
Don’t underestimate the practical assistance you can offer
While those who suffer spinal cord injuries will need a lot of help, they also need to retain their independence. Providing some help is not the same as taking over. Whether your loved one has simple goals like heading to the park at the weekend or more complex goals like going on vacation, you can be there by their side to help them accomplish these things.
Focus on your well-being, too
It’s very easy to neglect your own well-being when caring for another person. However, if you are not fit and healthy then you are ultimately not going to be able to provide adequate support. Make sure you get some rest from time to time and continue to enjoy your hobbies and pastimes if possible. In the end, this will make you a much better caregiver.
Don’t take everything on by yourself
As a caregiver, there is no shame in admitting that you need a little help. This doesn’t necessarily need to be physical help. There are many people across the country who have suffered spinal cord injuries, and whose families also care for them. Just getting in touch with like-minded communities can help you to realize that you’re not on your own.
Helping a family member with a spinal cord injury can be challenging at times, but as a family, you can get through it. Make sure you have also looked into your legal options in terms of compensation that can at least relieve some of the financial strain.
