Family members are often the forgotten victims of motorcycle accidents. This is especially true where the victim suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If your spouse, parent, or child was involved in a collision and suffered a TBI, then you know how difficult it is to cope. You have to adjust your reaction to the victim’s moods. You must adapt your house and way of life to accommodate the changed individual—your lives will never be the same after the crash.

How Caregivers Can Help Motorcycle Accident Victims Cope

The person you’re caring for who is suffering from TBI can tell if you’re feeling burdened, stressed, anxious, or angry because of their new needs. One of the best ways to ease the pain of both the victim and yourself is to learn how to help with the coping process.

Here are a few tips to help:

  • Ask about specific chores you can help with. It’s hard for people to know exactly what they need until they need it. The same is true of chores. Ask about specific things, such as banking, housework, driving to appointments, or meals. This will make it easier for the other person to ask for help and eliminate a lot of frustration for you both.
  • Make the adjustment from the hospital to home life as easy as possible. Coming out of the hospital is a big adjustment after a motorcycle crash. Make the transition as easy as possible by setting up a room in advance. Have clothes, toiletries, and other essential personal care items stocked up and easily accessible to the victim.
  • Help your family member adapt to their social life. A TBI is a cognitive injury. It is not seen or heard—so friends of the victim don’t always realize it’s there. Help your family member readjust to the social scene by going with him or her to events or being a support when they need a listening ear. If the person used drugs or alcohol prior to the collision, be aware of their usage when returning home. Often, these addictive substances are used more often after a major event and TBI.

TBIs are hard on the victims and on the caretakers. With these tips each of you can have an easier experience readjusting to life after the crash. Did you find this helpful? Share it on Facebook. You never know who is acting as a caregiver behind the scenes that could benefit from this information.

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