Of all the challenges faced by families that include a person with brain injury, meeting the demands of becoming a caregiver may be among the most difficult. As you learn about the long term consequences anticipated for the individual with brain injury, you and other family members and friends will develop a plan for care giving.
Assessing and understanding new or expanded responsibilities resulting from a loved one’s brain injury can be overwhelming. Information in this section is designed to help you, and other responsible people, learn about putting together a plan that meets the needs of the person with brain injury as well as your own needs. Medical, social, educational, and legal questions will need exploration and answers. Remember: There are people who understand, and who can help.
The local Independent Living Center (ILC) is a great resource for information and assistance accessing services. The New York Independent Living Council maintains a list of the ILCs. ILCs offer services such as benefits counseling to help people with disability to locate and obtain benefits, as well as resources to help advocate for services.
BIANYS can help locate local resources and services, and maintains a network of support groups that can help. Please contact us for assistance.