Going through a life-changing injury can be hard on anyone. The aftermath of a severe accident may be so damaging that the victim loses their ability to work. That could make them feel vulnerable and helpless. It is even equally heart-breaking for the loved ones who have to witness the pain and distress. You may feel powerless since you do not have a way to take the pain away. Fortunately, there are other ways to offer support. Here are some ways to support a loved one that is recovering from a severe injury:
Offer emotional support
Going through a significant injury takes a toll on the victim emotionally and psychologically. It is not easy navigating life after the physical aftermath of an accident. Reassuring your loved ones and offering emotional support goes a long way toward helping them feel better about their situation. Be there for them when they need someone to talk to and listen to their story. Allow them a safe space to express their emotions and frustrations. Try not to make them feel like they are bothering you when they engage you.
They should not feel like you are rushing them to get over it. Create a calm environment where they feel like they can take their time and heal at their own pace. Be attentive when they express what they are feeling. Emotional support will help lift their anxiety, making them less overwhelmed. That said, you need to refrain from offering unsolicited advice. Your intentions may be in the right place but could make the victim feel uncomfortable.
Help with appointments
Hospital appointments are frequent after an accident. Navigating hospitals may not be the easiest to deal with, especially when recovering from a life-changing injury. Make things easier for your loved ones by helping them manage their appointments. Accompany them to the hospital and encourage them to keep going. Try to keep a record of their sessions. It will be less overwhelming for them when they have someone scheduling, coordinating, and travelling with them to the hospital. If they have a home care team, you can guide them on what to do regarding the doctor’s instructions. Also, keep track of the medications. The doctor may prescribe several medications with different doses, and it may be hard keeping tabs on all of them. Help them create a system that will make it simple to stay on course with their treatment plan.
Help them seek legal help
Your loved one has the right to seek compensation. That helps cater for the damages the injuries have put on their life. It can also help sort medical bills and other costs. Offer assistance by reaching out to a lawyer that will represent their case and negotiate for the best compensation to help ease their troubles. Find an attorney that specializes in legal representation for personal injury cases. You need a lawyer that you can be sure will have the victim’s best interest in their mind. The lawyer will advise on the legal procedure for seeking compensation and how much your loved one is eligible to receive.
Help them deal with insurance
Navigating the medical system when recovering from a severe injury is a hassle. You can help your loved one follow up with things like insurance. Some health insurance covers require that the patient gets approval before they can consult specialists or access different procedures. You can offer assistance by reviewing the insurance policy and learning the necessary authorizations that they will need before going to the hospital. Go through the policies and the fine print to help your loved one understand what the insurance covers and what costs will have to come out of pocket.
Help them navigate their new lifestyle
Your loved one may need to tweak their lifestyle during recovery. The shift may be confusing and sometimes depressing. Help your loved one adjust to the new lifestyle. You can help create a healthy exercise and eating plan. Monitor caloric intake and join your loved one in doing light exercises that a physical doctor recommends. Research has shown that tailored exercise can help boost the morale of someone recovering from an injury.
Help them with house chores
Your loved one needs enough time to rest and recover. And neglecting rest could hinder the recovery process. Offer to help with simple household tasks like dishes, cleaning, cooking or assisting them in dressing up if they are unable to because of their injuries.
Wrapping up
Recovery after a severe injury can be overwhelming and costly. The financial, physical and psychological burden can take a toll on the victim. As a loved one, you have to offer as much support as possible to lighten their load where you can.
