Due to the nature of a TBI you often find yourself in a caregiving position suddenly. It seems like you have so much to learn overnight, so much to manage, and so much that is unknown about what the future holds.
As a caregiver you may be a spouse, parent, sibling, or a friend. Your job as a caregiver may including being a:
- Case manager
- Advocate
- Benefits coordinator
- Healthcare provider
The first thing you should know as a caregiver is you are not alone. We have a network of agencies and community services that are ready to support you and your family.
Tips for caring for someone with a TBI:
Caregiving can take many different forms. Although you may have a hard time seeing yourself as a caregiver – if you offer support to a family member or friend – that’s what you are.
- Get to know the members of the health care team and the case managers. They can and will help you during the hospital stay, recovery, and periods of change.
- Keep health care information in a notebook. Being organized helps you feel less stressed.
- Talk about your needs and the person you are assisting to others (advocacy).
- Take care of yourself first, so you can take care of others.
- Take time and be honest when helping children and other family members cope with TBI.
- Allow your friends and family to build a support network to help you. Ask for help. No one can do it alone.
- Plan for some time off. Respite care and day care programs are valuable resources to you and your survivor. (Pathways to Respite PDF)
- There are ways to balance work and caregiving through Family and Medical Leave and other means.
- There are key legal issues to address to protect your family and your survivor.
Self-Care for Caregivers - YouTube
It’s important that as a caregiver that you first, take care of yourself. We can only help others if our needs are met first. But how?
Caregiver Self-Care (pdf) - tips for caring for yourself and success
Capable Caregiving
This Capable Caregiving manual (PDF) is a resource and curriculum developed from feedback and input gathered from stakeholders across the state. Primary stakeholder groups included facility owners/providers, managers, supervisors, caregivers, trainers, families, clients/residents, DSHS staff, long-term care ombudsman and advocacy group representatives.
The Capable Caregiving manual is available in:
- English (PDF)
- Arabic (PDF)
- Cambodian – Khmer (PDF)
- Chinese (PDF)
- Dari (PDF)
- Farsi (PDF)
- Korean (PFD)
- Laotian (PDF)
- Russian (PDF)
- Somali (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
- Ukrainian (PDF)
Vietnamese (PDF)
Additional Caregiver Resources
Caring for Older Adults | DSHS
TBI Learning and Support Resources Flyer (pdf) – Information and links to materials and resources.
Family Caregiver Alliance - The mission of Family Caregiver Alliance is to improve the quality of the life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care.
Caregiver Resources | DSHS (wa.gov) – Additional programs and support information.
Caregiver Careers WA - Become a Caregiver.
Person Centered Care and Practices
Person-Centered Care and Practices | DSHS (wa.gov) Learn more how person-centered practices are used as part of an ongoing process to help people for their future.
