Supporting Families after Acquired Brain Injury at the Acute Care Phase

Alyson Norman

When a loved one sustains an acquired brain injury (ABI), it can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience for their family. The role of acute care staff extends beyond to providing crucial support and guidance to their families during this difficult time. Here are some ways healthcare professionals can help at this stage of the journey:

Communicate Clearly and Compassionately

Transparency and Empathy: Families are often in a state of shock and confusion. Provision of clear, concise information about the patient’s condition, treatment plans, and prognosis can be very helpful. Using language that is easy to understand and avoids medical jargon can improve communication.

Regular Updates: Keeping families informed about any changes in the patient’s condition is crucial at this stage. Regular updates, even if there is no significant change, can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety.

Offer Emotional Support

Active Listening: Allowing families to express their fears, concerns, and frustrations are all important parts of helping families to process their trauma. Listening without judgment can be incredibly comforting.

Encourage Self-Care: Reminding family members to take care of themselves by encouraging them to eat, rest, and take breaks can help them to stay strong to support their loved one and be an important reminder that they have their own wellbeing needs too.

Provide Resources and Information

Educational Materials: Offering brochures or directing families to reliable online resources about ABI and helping them to understand the injury can help families cope better. In some local regions Headway Hospital Liaison staff will provide this service.

Support Groups: Connecting families with support groups where they can share experiences and advice with others in similar situations is important. Some Headway groups offer family and carer support, but other carer networks can provider wider services not specific to ABI.

Coordinate with Multidisciplinary Teams

Holistic Care: it is important for neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and social workers to create a comprehensive care plan and work together to meet the needs of individuals with ABI and their families. This ensures that families receive well-rounded support.

Family Meetings: Organising regular family meetings with the multidisciplinary team to discuss the patient’s progress and address any questions or concerns the family may have is crucial in helping families feel supported.

Assist with Practical Needs

Care Plans: Helping families understand and navigate the care plan is essential. This included explaining the roles of different healthcare providers and what to expect during rehabilitation.

Legal and Financial Guidance: Providing information about disability benefits, insurance, and other financial resources, including carer’s allowance are also helpful forms of support. Directing family members to social workers early on can speed up the process of claiming for support on discharge from hospital. This is also a service offered by Headway Hospital Liaison staff.

Prepare for the Long-Term Journey

Rehabilitation Information: Families need educating about the importance of rehabilitation and what it entails. This will help them to set realistic expectations for recovery that allow them to remain hopeful.

Discharge Planning: Healthcare professionals can support families by beginning the discharge planning process early. Ensuring families know what to expect when their loved one transitions from acute care to home or a rehabilitation facility is vital. This should include open and frank conversations with families about what they may need to provide and how feasible this is likely to be in the context of their own personal family circumstances.

Supporting families during the acute phase of an acquired brain injury involves clear communication, emotional support, practical assistance, and coordinated care. By providing compassionate and comprehensive support, healthcare staff can help families navigate this challenging journey with greater confidence and resilience.

By integrating these practices into the approach to ABI acute care, healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of families facing the daunting reality of an ABI. This support can be a beacon of hope and stability in a time of crisis.