Traumatic brain injuries are among the most difficult injuries to recover from. In fact, even after release from the hospital, there may still be residual difficulties that will need to be addressed. Families acting as advocates can ensure that their loved one receives the care that they need to facilitate their recovery. It's important to note that recovery from a traumatic brain injury requires a full team of medical care providers and support staff.
One essential member of the team is the occupational therapist. It's the occupational therapist who is responsible for getting your loved one ready to re-enter society after leaving the hospital. Here are just four of the ways that an occupational therapist provides essential care for your loved one.
Memory Improvement
It's not uncommon for people with traumatic brain injuries to suffer a loss of memory. Some of the memory loss may be minor, and short-lived, while other memory loss may be more significant and longer lasting. You may find that your loved one has forgotten basic things such as the alphabet or the colors of the rainbow. The occupational therapist will work with your loved one to help them recover their memory. This may require them to relearn things that used to come as second nature.
Anger Management
If your loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may find that they have a hard time controlling their anger. This could be caused by frustration or stress. However, it could be part of the residual effects of the injury. An occupational therapist will help your loved one learn effective ways to manage their anger. This is an essential part of the recovery process.
Personal Hygiene
Traumatic brain injuries can take away a person's ability to provide for their own personal hygiene needs. Following the injury, your loved one may not be able to dress themselves or brush their own teeth. That's where the occupational therapist will come in. They'll help your loved one learn how to care for their own needs, including how to brush their teeth or tie their own shoes.
Home Adjustments
Following a traumatic brain injury, your loved one may have a difficult time adjusting to being at home. Not only that, but some of the things around the house may be difficult for your loved one to navigate. For instance, they may have a hard time getting up and down the stairs or opening and closing the doors. An occupational therapist will not only help your loved one adjust to life outside the hospital, but they'll also help you make the adjustments to your home that will be needed for your loved one.
For more information, contact a medical office like Lake Centre For Rehab.
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