Caregivers

Survivors with moderate brain injury may require caregiver support, either temporary or longer-term, and survivors with severe brain injury will almost certainly require the assistance of a caregiver – sometimes on a 24×7 basis for the remainder of his or her life. Whether limited or intensive, short-term or long-term, assumed by a paid professional or by a family member, the role of a caregiver is one of enormous responsibility and commitment.

Caregivers may either be professionals who typically work for a home health care agency, or they may be a survivor’s family member or friend. Cost and finances, insurance benefits, extent of disability and need, family work and home commitments, and other issues often determine which is the appropriate choice. Since family members assume most caregiving responsibility in many instances, the resources below are primarily directed toward that group. One of the major challenges for family caregivers – given the hours, tasks, issues, and resulting stress involved – is ensuring they take care of themselves and avoid burnout, as well as their own mental and physical health issues.