Lifestyle

What You Can Do To Support a Family Member Suffering From A Life-Changing Injury

handicapfamilyFew things are as difficult to deal with as having a much-loved family member suffer a life-changing injury. You want to do anything you can to make things better, but aren’t sure where to start. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help make this horrible event a little less damaging.

Apply for Services

Contact your local social services agencies to see what services your relative may be eligible for. A severe injury could make them eligible for home nursing care, medical equipment, help with everyday needs such as bathing and cooking, food assistance, counseling, rehabilitation therapy and more. These services make sure the essentials are attended to, without putting the burden on you. This way, you can spend more time doing other things with your loved one, rather than becoming a care taker.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If your relative’s injury was caused by the neglect of another, then you should not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney, says the experts at Dietrich Law. Large settlements can often be reached that will pay for your relative’s care for the rest of their life and may open doors to recovery options that may otherwise not have been affordable. This is especially important to make sure that medical bills can get paid in a timely manner.

Be Their Voice

When a person is severely injured, they are often left confused about what is going on around them. Many people have no one to turn to, but you can be the one to be at doctor’s appointments and legal appointments to ensure your relative’s best interest is being seen to properly.

Support Groups

Look around for support groups that are dedicated to people with the same type of injury your relative has suffered. The ability to communicate with others facing the same obstacles could greatly improve your relative’s mental health after the accident. Sometimes, family members simply don’t understand the situation or the pain and emotional turmoil the injured is experiencing. By finding support groups, your loved ones can get advice and support that no in the family can provide as well.

Apply for Disability Payments

Your relative may me eligible to receive disability payments through either a state or federal program. It’s important to check on this immediately, as it often takes some time to go through all the paperwork involved. If successful, your relative should be able to receive some type of monthly payment for as long as they are considered disabled.

Visit Often

You have your own life to live, but make it a point to have a set visiting time with your injured relative. If they have any interests such as playing cards or watching movies that they are still able to enjoy, then use your visiting time to do those activities they enjoy.

 

Be at peace knowing you are doing all you can to help your injured family member live their life to the best of their ability. Utilizing the above tips and being there for your loved one is no doubt more appreciated than you could ever know.

 

 Photo Credit

 

Karla Urwitz
Follow Me