Impact on the Family
A brain injury affects everyone in the family. Roles and responsibilities of the non-injured spouse/partner*, and often those of their children, change very quickly. This can feel overwhelming.
Some of the changes include…
· assisting with physical care
· giving emotional support
· supervising for safety
· helping with communication
· managing new behaviors
· advocating for legal, medical and community services and
· supplementing, or solely providing family income.
*(For simplicity, the word spouse is used for husband or wife; unmarried partners are also included.)
Having lone responsibility for managing a home, including parenting and finances, can be incredibly stressful for the non-injured spouse. Common reactions are worrying, being confused, feeling overwhelmed, upset and frightened of the future. This can lead to anxiety, stress, anger and depression.
