Brain Injury Effects And Practical Advice - Practical Issues

Practical Issues in Working with Brain Injured People

The above noted review of possible symptoms or effects of a brain injury highlights the practical issues in assisting or representing a brain injured person. For every person, the first practical step should be to determine, in a general way, which symptoms a particular person has. For example, does this a person have a memory deficit such that written instructions are required for everything? Does this person have an initiative problem such that you should be scheduling and following up on all tasks? Does this person have difficulty concentrating so that meetings will need to be short?  Other general suggestions for non-medical, lay persons include:

Be safe: Some brain injured people can be violent or unpredictable. There may be signs for this behaviour that are recognized by experienced medical people, but others may not recognize them. Keep your own safety in mind.

Be patient: Brain injured people require repetition, and they can be very frustrating, both to themselves and to people working with them. Keep your sense of humor – brain injured people require understanding, not simply supervision or direction. Bear in mind that most are aware of their deficits, and they do not deserve to be treated as children, but with respect.

Be positive: It is easy to feel discouraged or negative after working with brain injured people. Criticism and negativity are not productive, however. Instead, those working with brain injured people should try to be positive. See the accomplishments rather than the deficits. The term used by therapists is “non-conditional positive regard.”

Do not argue: Frustration and anger may make the deficits of brain injured people more apparent. It is best to be clear, matter of fact, and calm at all times. Reason may or may not be effective, but arguing almost certainly is not if the person has a serious brain injury.

Break difficult matters into components: Brain injured people need time to make decisions and they may need assistance with to understand the pros and cons, or likely consequences of a decision or an action.

Do your research: The clues to the behaviour of a brain injured person are often found in their personal background and history. Also, if the information is available, what medications are they using, or not using?

Do not over-react: A brain injured person may have emotional responses that are inappropriate. It may not be necessary to address these, as the reactions may not reflect the underlying emotion. Similarly, the person may, themselves, be aware that the reaction is inappropriate.

Do not be manipulated: Some brain injured people are very self-centered and manipulative. For example, they may lie about themselves, their circumstances, or their ability to understand and follow directions. Do not feel obligated to give them the reaction they are seeking. Do not become the only friend of a brain injured person. They need more support than you can provide, so introduce them to new people.

Do not create limits: Despite their injuries, most high functioning brain injured people are able to learn, understand, and develop new behaviors. They may not have the confidence or initiative, but they should be challenged. Be realistic, but try to expect the best. If they fail, encourage them to understand and to learn.

Conclusion

Understanding the deficits caused by brain injuries is a first step toward more effective service of brain injured people. While this article is far from complete or conclusive, it should provide those who encounter brain injured individuals with some basic understanding and insight into the difficulties such people face.