Caregiver Support

Caregiver Tips

Tips for supporting someone with brain injury:

Educate yourself

• learn about brain injury and its effects
• every brain injury is unique what works for one person may not work for another

Establish a routine

• be consistent!
• Use calendars alarms or apps to keep track of appointments and tasks

Encourage independence 

• allow the person to do as much as they can
• offer support as needed but avoid doing everything for them

Manage fatigue

• people with brain injuries tired easily
• encourage rest breaks and create a quiet stress free environment

Support for Caregivers

The journey of rehabilitation and recovery after brain injury requires support, not only for the survivor, but also for their family, friends, and caregivers.

Articles & Research

Our resources section offers a thoughtfully curated collection of articles and research designed to support survivors, families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the complexities of brain injury. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information aimed at empowering individuals in their journey of recovery and rehabilitation. 

From Hospital to Home

My loved one has recently been have recently been released from hospital and has a diagnosis of a brain injury. Where do I find support?

Non-Hospitalized

My loved one has recently fallen and hit their head a few days ago, but didn’t go to the hospital or seek medical attention. They are dizzy and experiencing headaches. Do they have a concussion?

We are not able to provide medical advice or make a diagnosis, but we can encourage you to visit a local clinic, your physician, or an emergency room to be assessed properly.

Funding Resources

My loved one has a brain injury and needs help but has no funding. Where do we go for help?

Specialized Services

What are specialized services?

Specialized services include occupational therapy, speech language pathology, computer-based technology, mobility services, counselling, and more.

Compensatory Services

I have heard the terms compensatory strategies and compensatory services. What do they mean?

Compensatory strategies are intended to assist an individual in performing tasks using adaptive aids and/or finding alternative ways to do things. Compensatory strategies assist with impairment in attention, memory, executive functioning and/or other cognitive skills as identified in rehabilitation goals.

Compensatory Services would include agencies to support a person with hearing, vision, life skills and more.

A good place to begin locating rehabilitation providers who provide compensatory services is our Resources page.

For more information on Compensatory Strategies, visit our Healing Brain page.

Connections

The roles and responsibilities shift in a family following a brain injury. Sometimes the stress of what is happening, and/or the changes in the family cause connections to become strained. Although it takes effort, heart-to-heart connections can be restored.

Fostering relationships

How can my loved one foster and nourish relationships?

Communication

Effective communication is important in all relationships. When life becomes stressful, communication can breakdown. Whether you are rebuilding connections, or fostering and nourishing existing relationships, or looking to develop new relationships, good communication will be key.

Permanent/Transitional/Suitable & Affordable

If your loved one is looking for housing after a brain injury, there are a variety of models to research. Permanent or market rent – if they have stable income and either do not require supports where they live, or they are able to hire supports privately to come into their apartment or home.

Transitional Housing – these are program-based housing and usually include some supports. Tenancy is based on three years or less.  

Housing with Supports – should a survivor require 24/7 care or supports, agencies such as Connect Communities, provide long-term supports and housing. Other models, such as Linda’s Place in Campbell River, provides individual apartments with some supports.

Rent Subsidies

Does BC have a rent subsidy program? If so, how do I find out if my loved one is eligible to apply?

British Columbia has a rental assistance program for families whose income (before tax) is $40,000 or less, per year.

BC Housing/Non-Profit

Does BC Housing provide supportive housing?

 Supportive Housing assists individuals who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This type of housing is for young folks, seniors, and for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Trained support workers are matched with individuals to work alongside them to customize their personal and housing goals.

Accessible Housing/Modifications

My loved one needs to make modifications to their home. Is there funding available to help with this?

If they have a low-income and require home adaptations for independent living, you may qualify for a rebate through the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program.

Returning to Work

Returning to work is not a goal for everyone. Working provides income and meaningful activity, as well as structure and social opportunities. If returning to work is the goal, a carefully timed plan to ensure success is needed.

Vocational Rehabilitation

What is vocational rehabilitation and how can it help?

Vocational rehabilitation is an individualized employment program to help eliminate barriers for individuals with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Services may include counselling, training, job placement and other services to support a successful return-to-work and employment retention.

Returning to School

My loved one wants to go back to school. Are there any programs specializing in cognitive impairment?

Going back to school may be an option for them. Much like returning to work, returning to school requires a well thought-out plan. All post-secondary institutions in BC have a disability or accessibility services department. They will work 1:1 with students to ensure their needs for education and work/life goals are met.

Volunteerism

My loved one cannot return to work, so they are thinking about volunteering. What are the benefits?

Whether they cannot return to work, or it’s time to retire, volunteering is a win-win for both the volunteer and the agency. As an individual, volunteering provides socializing, opportunities to learn new skills, and provides a boost to our emotional health. Volunteers help to strengthen organizations and assist in carrying out the purpose or mandate.

Recreation & Sports

When can they return to sports and recreational activities?

There are many emotional and physical benefits to returning to sports and recreational activities. It’s always important to discuss returning to the activities they love with their physician, healthcare provider, and/or medical team. Every brain injury is different so the timing will vary from person to person.

To find resources in your community to assist with sports and recreation, type in your postal code and key words here.

Online Resources

We invite you to visit Brainstreams often as we continually update our resource listings.

Brain Injury Associations:

To locate a Brain Injury Association in your area, visit our resource page and type in your postal code.

Support Groups

Support groups specific to brain injury survivors, family, or caregivers are valuable resources. Connecting with others who share a lived experience is helpful in understanding the journey you are on and in learning useful strategies to move forward.

Specialized Services

Specialized services could include occupational therapy, speech language pathology, computer-based technology, mobility services, counselling, and more. Check Brainstreams resource page to find services in your area.

Supportive Resources