Caring for a brain injury survivor can be challenging and make considerable demands on the carer. It is very important for the carer to look after their mental and physical health and to try and maintain a life outside their caring role. Carers should ensure they seek help before difficulties arise and reach a crisis point.
In particular carers should:
Learn as much as possible about brain injury
Eat well and stay healthy
Try to give themselves even a short break every day and do something specially for themselves
Look after their back in particular
Exercise as regularly as possible
Always ask for help
Recognise signs of stress and try relaxation techniques
Talk to other carers in circumstances similar to their own; this could include joining a support group such as the Brain Injury Foundation
Ensure they receive a carers assessment from their Health and Social Services Trust
