Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
How Do I Help My Loved One through SCI Rehab?
There are a lot of emotions that come into play when your loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and you are working together through the transition. This is a challenging and stressful time for both of you, as your loved one works to recover some degree of normalcy in their life by learning what he or she is still able to do – or acquiring new skills to cope with a limited lifestyle.
The best way for you to help your loved one is to make sure you take care of yourself. It won’t help your loved one to deal with his or her spinal injury and recovery (particularly if paralysis is involved) if you are sick, depressed, fatigued, or stressed out. If you want to be an effective and compassionate caregiver, try tending to the following areas as you take care of yourself so you can care for your loved one:
- Keep up with your own health by eating right, getting adequate rest, seeing your own doctor and taking your own medications, as needed
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other family members and friends, as well as community resources
- Find local support groups
- Take time just for YOU – do things that are enjoyable and restorative (e.g., go for a walk, see a movie, spend time with friends, to the gym, etc.)
It may also help you to know what to expect during spinal cord injury rehabilitation, so you can better help your loved one as he or she may need to learn/relearn any combination of following:
- How to prevent complications related to the SCI, including:
– Managing bowel and bladder function.
– Managing complications (e.g., pressure sores, urinary tract infections, muscle spasticity)
- How to build muscular endurance, strengthen bones, and maintain or improve flexibility, by:
– Doing daily functions and activities as much as possible
– Learning to maneuver from a wheelchair to a bed, chair, or other location if possible
– Learning to perform daily tasks (e.g., brushing teeth, washing hands, cooking, etc.)
- How to prepare for transition/change of lifestyle after rehab:
– Coping with feelings – going through grieving process
– Communicating needs
– Being intimate physically and emotionally
Above all, remember that you are not alone!
Learn more about the emotional impact of caring for a family member with a spinal injury.
