I am a Caregiver

Caregiving for someone with a TBI can be challenging. A TBI doesn’t just affect the injured individual, it often causes a ripple that affects the entire support network. 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 
  • Health care 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. 

Get Support | DSHS (wa.gov) to Information, Resources, and assistance.  

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:  

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 

 

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.