5 Ways You Can Help A Loved One on Their Injury Recovery Journey

Taking care of someone who has been injured is a big responsibility, but it’s a service that’s of great importance. In fact, being in the position to help a loved one on their injury recovery journey should be considered an honor. However, you may be unsure about what you can do to improve matters. 

It’s certain that your injured loved one will require help of some sort eventually, especially when their injury is life-threatening or causes them chronic pain. A serious injury often makes people question the quality of their future. Providing emotional, spiritual and physical support to someone suffering from an injury can make recovery much easier (and faster).

Luckily, there are numerous ways to help your loved one recover from their injury, whether it’s minor or major. Here are just 5 of them:

1. Be Someone Who Understands
   
   

   As simple as it may sound, being one of the people who truly understands what the injured person is experiencing can make all the difference. Generally, injuries cause more than physical pain. Injured individuals often deal with equally debilitating emotional distress as well, including things like:

   ●       Stress

   ●       Anxiety

   ●       Depression

   ●       Bitterness

   ●       Irritability

   ●       Insomnia

   While many doctors will prescribe medication to help your injured loved one manage their physical pain, seldom does the patient receive assistance with the emotional trauma that accompanies an injury.

   TIP: Help your loved one create and maintain a calm and peaceful environment while offering reassurance or space as needed.

2. Offer Transportation
   
   Keeping up with doctor’s appointments, running errands and getting out of the house for recreation are all difficult endeavors when you’re dealing with an injury. By providing a ride to various destinations and offering help with scheduling, you empower your loved one to maintain their lifestyle even in the face of adversity.
   
   TIP: Make sure that your mode of transportation can accommodate any mobility assistance equipment your loved one may be using.
   

3.  Make Sure They Eat Properly
   
   

   Often times, injuries and the medications taken because of them can leave people without much of an appetite. To fully recover, however, it’s important that your loved one follows a healthy diet. After all, malnutrition can lead to much bigger problems. He or she may need some help with meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking.

   TIP: Always check for food allergies or potential drug interactions.
   
   
4. Ensure Their Medication Is Taken Properly  
   
   

   Most likely, your injured loved one has been prescribed medication to alleviate their pain or manage other symptoms. Not only do many pharmaceuticals cause side effects that can complicate a person’s life but they also must be utilized exactly as the doctor prescribed. While it’s perfectly possible for an injured person to take their medication as directed without assistance, offering friendly reminders and developing schedules are a great ways to help.

   TIP: Be ready to help your loved one with the side effects of taking medication, as it may require more physical or emotional attention.
   
   
5. Keep Their Environment Decluttered and Sanitary
   
   

   According to the World Health Organization, a quarter of all injuries are caused by some kind of environmental hazard. When your loved one is already impaired, it’s important not to make matters worse. In addition, because you’ll likely be present frequently to help out, a decluttered and sanitary environment makes things safer for you as well.

   TIP: If you cannot clean your loved one’s home personally, generously offer to have it professionally cleaned instead.

Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is the founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. He specializes in rehabilitative therapies which include acupressure, chiropractic massage, adjustments and natural pain relief at his multi-disciplinary clinic in Juneau.

Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.

Sources: 

http://www.kansaslaw.com/library/can-held-liable-helping-injured-person/
https://www.medindia.net/drugs/side-effects/loss-of-appetite.htm
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2006/pr32/en/