Brain injury - discharge

When You Were in the Hospital:

Your friend or loved one was in the hospital after a serious brain injury. First, doctors and nurses provided treatment to prevent any further damage to the brain, and to help the heart, lungs, and other important parts of the body.

After the person became stable, doctors and nurses did tests and treatment to help them recover from the brain injury. They may have stayed in special units that help people with brain injuries.

What to Expect at Home:

People with a serious brain injury improve at their own pace. They may regain an ability (such as movement or speech) then stay the same or get worse for a while. Both of these may be followed by another period where the person will have improvement again.

Behavior and Social Interaction:

People may display inappropriate behavior after a brain injury. It is okay to point out when behavior is not appropriate. Explain the reason and suggest a different behavior. Offer praise when the person calms down or changes their behavior.

Sometimes suggesting a new activity or a new place to go is the best option.

It is important for family members and others to stay calm.

• Try to ignore angry behavior. Do not make a face or show anger or judgment.
• Your doctor, nurse, or therapist will help you learn when to decide to step in and when to ignore certain behavior.

Muscles, Joints, and Movement:

Diet and Swallowing:

Tips for Daily Life:

Tips for making clothing easier to put on and take off:

• Do not give the person too many choices.
• Velcro is much easier than buttons and zippers. If the clothing has buttons or zippers, they should be in the front.
• Use pullover clothes when possible and slip on shoes.

Tips for talking to the person with a brain injury (if they have problems understanding):

• Keep distractions and noise down. Move to a quieter room.
• Use simple words and sentences, speaking slowly. Keep your voice lower. Repeat if needed. Use familiar names and places. Tell them when you are going to change the subject.
• If possible, make eye contact before touching or speaking to them.
• Ask questions so the person can answer “yes” or “no.” When possible, give clear choices. Use props or visual prompts when possible. Do not give the person too many options.

When giving instructions:

• Break down instructions into small and simple steps.
• Allow time for the person to understand.
• If the person becomes frustrated, take a break or consider redirecting them to another activity.

Try using other methods of communicating:

• You may want to use pointing, hand gestures, or drawings.
• Develop a book with pictures of words or photographs to use when communicating about common topics or people.

Bladder, Bowels, and Bathing:

When to Call the Doctor:

Call the person' s doctor if they have:

• Problems taking drugs for muscle spasms
• Problems moving their joints (joint contracture)
• Problems moving around or it is getting harder for them to transfer out of a bed or chair
• Skin sores or redness
• Pain that is becoming worse
• Choking or coughing when eating
• Signs of a bladder infection (fever, burning when you urinate, or frequent urination)
• Behavior issues that are hard to manage