Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Living in Their Own Homes

It’s Brain Injury Awareness month and Above & Beyond Home Health Care wants to focus on Traumatic Brain Injury Patients living in their own home. Those who suffer from TBIs can often live a quality life while remaining at home.

Traumatic Brain Injury Patients – Facts & Information

Our trained home health care staff can help make living at home after a traumatic brain injury possible for most. We offer a variety of expert health care services in the home that can help provide for the option of staying at home versus moving to a long-term care facility.

• What is a TBI – TBI stands for Traumatic Brain Injury and generally happens due to some type of hit or concussion to the head. This article from USA Today helps explain and dispel some myths about TBIs.
• What causes a TBI – The leading causes of TBI are shown on the infographic below.
• Who is at risk for TBIs – Anyone at any age can get a traumatic brain injury. Those at higher risk for a TBI include seniors age 75+ as explained here.

Statistics on Traumatic Brain Injuries

• TBIs are one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S.^[1]
• Approximately 30% of deaths due to an injury are caused by TBIs.
• Many traumatic brain injuries are preventable with the proper training and focus on the main causes of injuries.
• CDC statistics claim that 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year.
• The leading cause of TBI in is falling.
• Seniors are the fastest growing population of traumatic brain injuries.
• Treatment for TBIs will vary according to the intensity of injury. Recovery focuses on increasing the ease of performing daily activities of living (ADLs).

How At Home Care Can Allow Traumatic Brain Injury Patients to Live at Home

The extent of injuries from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary from mild to life changing. However, traumatic brain injury patients can live a safe and happy life while remaining at home.

5 Ways In Home Caregiving Can Help Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Living in Their Own Homes:

1. In Home Therapies – Physical therapy, occupational therapy along with other therapies focus on strengthening, stimulating the brain (music therapy) and rehabilitation to the best extent possible. While a full recovery may not be an option there are ways to work towards providing a quality filled life.
2. Nutrition – The proper diet is important to recuperating from any injury. Our homemaker services can encourage the patient to join us in preparing meals or enjoy the meals we prepare for them. There are even certain foods & diets associated with promoting brain health.
3. Skilled Nursing – We offer skilled nursing that will come to your home and evaluate your needs. To learn more about choosing your path to living at home, surrounded by loved ones and professional care click here.
4. Housekeeping – Light housekeeping will help to keep the patient in safe and clean surroundings. We can also help with laundry and other light chores that help determine your quality of life.
5. Personal Hygiene – For those who have injuries that have created a situation where the patient can no longer fully care for themselves, our personal health aides can help. Specially trained in hygiene care, mobility assistance and helping with activities of daily living allows for the patient to continue enjoying life at home with the help of others.

Summarizing Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Living in Their Own Homes

Knowledge is power. If you or someone you love has experienced a TBI we want you to understand the condition, the possibilities, and the potential. This free downloadable tip sheet on “Living Life to the Fullest – Tips for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury” can be very helpful.

As in home health care providers in our service area we are focused on helping people remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. We have helped many traumatic brain injury patients living in their own homes and can do the same for you or your loved one.

[1] Faul M, Xu L, Wald MM, Coronado VG. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2010.

Photo by Anne Worner