After your older loved one suffers from a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), they may need more help in their daily lives. According to the CDC, adults 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths. And with falling being the number one cause of TBI in America, it can be important to understand how to better help your loved one after they suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
TBI Causes
Fall-related injuries account for roughly 40% of all TBI cases in America. Falling injuries for older adults can come with a bevy of health and safety concerns, including damage to the brain if their head hits the ground. Other causes can include vehicular accidents, blunt-force trauma, sports-related injuries, and physical violence.
TBI and Fall Injuries
After a major fall incident, you should take your older loved one to a hospital to assess their injuries. The hips, head, neck, and limbs are common injury spots that should be assessed after a fall. Whether your loved one fell forward or backward, head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Even if surface damage to their head seems negligible, a doctor should still check them over.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The symptoms of a TBI can be wide-ranging and can depend on the severity of the injury. Symptoms of brain injury can often be classified as physical, sensory, and cognitive. While any of these symptoms can manifest as soon as injury occurs, physical and sensory symptoms are often the most likely to be noticed immediately.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of TBI may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Slurred or confused speech
- Dizziness
- Balance issues
More severe physical symptoms can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Dilation of pupils
- Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
- Weakened or numbed extremities
Sensory Symptoms
Sensory symptoms of TBI may include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Light sensitivity
- Strange taste in the mouth
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms can often be long-lasting and continue long after the injury occurs. These symptoms can also include changes in behavior or mental capacity. Examples include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss
- Poor recall skills
Difficulty concentrating - Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Agitation
- Consciousness disorders, including coma
Caring for a Loved One After A TBI
After your loved one suffers from a TBI, they may need additional care in their everyday lives. They may have a harder time caring for themselves or navigating their homes. After a fall injury, the likelihood of another fall is high. You may want to ensure that they have the help they need within their home. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom or near their bed. Be sure to secure railings near staircases.
Hiring Additional Help After A TBI
Many older adults who survive a TBI may need further care at home than expected. In these cases, hiring a home health aide can be a good avenue to provide care while keeping them in the safety of their home. Aides can assist your loved one in their daily lives, including hygiene care, navigating their home safely, and aiding in reducing fall risks.
A home health aide from Safe Harbor can also assist your loved one with daily care needs, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and more. If your loved one requires physical or cognitive therapy after their injury, their aide can assist them in traveling to appointments and keeping up with care regimens at home.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
