Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change a person’s life in a matter of moments. Common causes of TBIs include stroke, brain aneurysm, and accidents such as motor vehicle or certain types of falls. When something tragic like a TBI occurs suddenly, it can result in a lot of confusion and stress for the person and their family. While the effects and severity of a TBI vary from person to person, there are certain similarities and things to consider.
Life care planning after a traumatic brain injury is something that should be discussed with the person and/or their family once the initial evaluation is made. As with any life care plan, this is a detailed, multi-faceted process that focuses on improving an individual’s quality of life, ensuring proper care, and planning for the future. Enlisting the help of life care planning experts can help ensure your client’s medical, emotional, and practical needs are addressed. The team at LCPpro® always considers long-term outcomes and potential challenges for clients. Our goal is to ensure your client who has experienced a traumatic brain injury receives the appropriate support at every stage of their recovery.
These stages include:
Assessment of the Traumatic Brain Injury
The first step is to evaluate the person and determine the severity of the TBI. This includes understanding the type of brain injury, which can include concussion, contusion, and diffuse axonal injury. Medical professionals will note immediate effects, as well as any potential long-term complications. Depending on the extent of the injury, the individual may experience impairments in memory, concentration, problem-solving, coordination, speech, or motor skills. An assessment helps to gauge which areas of functioning are impacted and to what degree to help inform the other elements of the life care plan.
Medical and Therapeutic Needs
A life care plan will outline the ongoing medical care necessary for rehabilitation and management of your client’s TBI. This may include regular appointments with neurologists, neuropsychologists, or specialists in physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Most individuals with TBI require rehabilitative services to regain mobility, assist with daily living activities, address communication or swallowing issues, and help with memory, executive functioning and thinking skills. Many individuals with TBI also experience emotional and behavioral changes such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or personality changes. It is important to take into account if your client will require psychological counseling, support groups, or psychiatric care as part of their life care plan.
Caregiver and Family Support
In cases of more severe TBI, clients may need full-time assistance from caregivers for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility. Our team of life care planners often address the emotional impact on family members who act as caregivers to account for respite care, caregiver training, and family therapy.
Home Modifications and Accessibility
Individuals who have lasting impact from their TBI may need modifications to their home to improve accessibility and safety. This might include widening doorways, adding grab bars in bathrooms, or making changes to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs. In less severe cases, life care planning can also account for the costs of walkers, hearing aids, communication aids, or other needed devices depending on the needs of your client.
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Educational and Job Considerations
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Many people with TBI may require educational or job support. This could involve special education services, modifications to work duties, or even retraining for new careers if a client is unable to return to their previous job. Training to develop these skills to allow them to return to work or school may be part of their life care plan.
Financial Planning
A primary focus of life care planning after traumatic brain injury is understanding the financial implications of long-term care, which can add up quickly and cannot always be predicted without the help of life care planning experts. The team at LCPpro® often provides cost estimates based on medical expertise that can help you secure financial support through insurance or legal claims.
Social Integration
Social reintegration, which is crucial for emotional well-being, can be one of the most challenging aspects of life after TBI. Life care planning for TBI clients usually includes strategies to help the individual re-engage with social activities, hobbies, and community involvement in the months and years following an injury. This may also include peer support and group therapy to reduce feelings of isolation.
If you are working with a client or the family of someone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury, reach out to a life care planning expert. This way, you can help your client get the support they need in the short and long term. Since brain injuries can evolve over time, it is important to work with medical experts who understand how to account for this and potential adjustments to the life care plan.
Our caring and knowledgeable team is standing by to help you provide the best possible service to your client who is facing the unknown as they adapt to life after a traumatic brain injury. Call us today for a free consultation.
