Brain injury happens not only to the individual, but to the whole family.

No family is prepared for coping with a brain injury. Family members find a lot of comfort in knowing that the feelings and stresses they are experiencing are not unique to them, but are being, and have been, experienced by many others.

To meet and talk to a person who actually understands and can identify with how you feel and will not judge you for struggling to cope, provides a great deal of hope and strength to carry on with this new role which has been thrust upon you.

Some of the issues you may come across as a carer of a brain injured person are:

• Carers can find it difficult to live with and care for a person who has changed personality so much that they are now unrecognisable.
  
• Most people find the physical disabilities easier to cope with than the ‘hidden ‘disabilities such as the poor memory, irritability, lack of motivation, inability to empathise, self-centredness, and poor planning and organizational skills.
  
• Many people have a lack of insight into the changes that have occurred to them. They do not recognise them and therefore are unwilling to address them.
  
• Carers can experience feelings of guilt for resenting the situation they find themselves in and the relief they may feel when they are away from the survivor.
  
• We talk about the survivor going through a grieving process for the loss of the person they once were. Exactly the same feelings are experienced by carer of that person.

How we can help

• We can provide general information about brain injury and more localized knowledge.
  
• We provide a listening ear, either informally or if required through our counselling service.
  
• We run a Carers' group which meets monthly, where family members can share experiences and information, gain support, relax and enjoy themselves, as well as reducing the feeling of isolation that many carers have.

Forthcoming Events

CARERS' EVENING

Wednesday June 11th

7-9 pm

Recreation Hall

Rookwood Hospital

All carers and family members welcome

A light supper will be provided