How to Cope with the Impact of a Life-changing Injury

How to Cope with the Impact of a Life-Changing Injury

When a person suffers a serious injury that has life-changing effects, almost every aspect of their life needs to be considered. Everything, from their family life and relationships with their children to where they will live and their financial situation, is likely to change as a result of the incident, and so arrangements will need to be made to handle each of these.

Depending on the circumstances of the person involved in the accident, there can be lots of services and options involved in the rehabilitation process, which someone who has recently suffered a life-changing injury might need.

The first weeks and months after a serious, life-changing injury are very often hugely challenging for those involved and their loved ones. It can be extremely difficult for them to get used to ‘normal’ life again, which can have a profound emotional impact.

At JMW Solicitors, we have decades of experience in helping individuals who have suffered a life-changing injury to get their lives back on track, and we are regularly in contact with experts who specialise in both physical and emotional rehabilitation and can provide support at this difficult time.

In this guide, we will use our expertise in this area to explain the different options available to people who are overcoming a life-changing injury, and shed some light on the help and support that can be accessed by patients and their families.

Returning Home After a Life-Changing Injury

If you are preparing for your loved one to return home from the hospital after they have suffered a life-changing injury, it is essential that you have a plan for their care in place and appropriate equipment to ensure they feel comfortable and safe.

You can discuss this with their treatment therapists at the hospital when making arrangements for their discharge. Sometimes, doctors can delay a planned discharge if they are worried that the patient’s home is not suitable for them to return to, so it is important that preparations are made in good time to ensure you have everything they need.

An occupational therapist (OT) can advise on the right equipment and any immediate adaptations that will be required in your home. Ultimately, you should look for products that will aid your loved one’s recovery and help them to become more independent.

If it is likely that your loved one will need a wheelchair, you may wish to speak to a consultant who will be able to arrange trials of different types. Some people prefer to use more than one wheelchair, allowing them easy access around their homes, and to cover different terrains while out and about.

In order to find a quick solution, some people rush into making a decision about which wheelchair to get; however, this is not the best approach. Take some time to speak to professionals and also carry out your own research online to find the best model for the person who needs it.

Staying in a Specialist Care Unit Following Discharge from Hospital

In most cases, a seriously injured person will return home; however, for some, a specialist residential care unit may be a better solution - either on a temporary or permanent basis.

Securing funding for a place in a care unit can be difficult, especially if you don’t make a claim for compensation, as specialist care tends to be expensive. Your case manager will help you to get a loved one settled into a unit, while a compensation claim can ensure they receive the best possible care.

Some charities can also provide useful information on units available in different parts of the country.

Preparing the Home for an Injured Person

It is important that your home is accommodating for a person who has a life-changing injury. A good time to prepare the house is during their time in an inpatient rehabilitation centre, following discharge from the hospital.

To help you understand what changes are required to your accommodation, specialist architects with experience in disability design can provide recommendations on renovating your current home or purchasing a new one, based on its accessibility.

If a case worker is appointed, they will arrange this and handle the administration on your behalf. If you are currently pursuing a legal claim, a case worker may be assisted by an independent property finder service.

How Adaptations to the Home are Paid for

There are a number of places where you may be able to get funding for the changes to your home.

Local authorities

A Disabled Facilities Grant may be available through your local authority. This can be used to fund modest alterations to accommodation, such as the installation of ramps, grab rails, and a wet room. To obtain this grant, an assessment will need to be carried out by an occupational therapist on behalf of the council.

It is worth bearing in mind that there may be restrictions on the amount that can be spent on adaptations, meaning the required level of comfort and accessibility may not be fully covered.

Charities

Charitable support may also be available, such as the provision of a grant to fund adaptations or provide temporary rental accommodation while renovations are taking place.

Our solicitors can provide you with advice and contact details for suitable charitable support.

Compensation

If you are making a claim for compensation following a life-changing injury, your solicitor can seek an early interim payment to assist with the funding of accommodation or adaptations.

This can include small-scale adaptations to enable a return to the home, or be used to fund permanent long-term projects.

Transportation

Depending on the injuries your loved one has sustained, you may need to find a suitable vehicle to help with mobility. For example, some cars have more space built-in for a wheelchair passenger, and some have adjusted controls so that they can be driven by a wheelchair user.

If your loved one’s injuries were sustained in a road traffic accident, counselling may be required to help with their driving confidence - the charity Moving Minds can provide access to a counsellor.

The government’s Motability Scheme allows you to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair from one of 4,500 dealerships nationwide in exchange for the mobility component of the injured person’s Disability Living Allowance. You can check your eligibility on the website, as well as find details on how to apply for a charitable grant.

It is advised that you test drive vehicles from multiple dealerships; for wheelchair users, home visits can be arranged by the dealer.

Arranging Care for a Loved One

Making arrangements for care following a life-changing injury can be difficult, as many people feel that having somebody living within their home or visiting daily is an intrusion. Your case manager will be able to work with you and your family to find the care regime that works best for you.

While it is possible to source care privately, it can be tricky to do this alone as there are many matters you need to consider, including:

How to recruit

Holiday and emergency cover

Payroll and pension

The number of hours that can be worked in a shift

If a carer is staying with you to provide 24-hour care, your compensation claim can include the cost of providing their accommodation. Carer accommodation will typically include a bedroom, washing and toilet facilities, and a day room, and the cost of furnishing could also be covered in your compensation claim.

Additionally, funding can also be provided by your local authority following a carer assessment; however, this funding may only be granted for a certain period of time.

If a family member is providing care, they will need to take breaks and find emergency cover. The NHS Choices website provides a social care and support guide about your options and the help on offer. Additionally, the Carers UK website provides useful information and support details for carers, including the opportunity to share experiences and discuss issues that may arise from caring for somebody with a serious injury.

Emotional Support Following a Life-Changing Injury

Everyone who has been affected by a life-changing injury will find that they have their own way of dealing with the change. The emotional impact of a life-changing injury is one area that can often be neglected by those affected because the physical recovery can often take precedence. However, there are a number of support options available that could help your loved one take steps to improve their mental health following a life-changing injury. We’ll explore these below.

Counselling

Many people will find talking about their experiences with a counsellor to be one of the best ways to deal with the emotional aspect of an injury. However, while some individuals feel ready to do this almost straight away, others need more time. It is important not to rush your loved one into counselling before they feel that they are ready, because coming to terms with the changes in their life can be very difficult.

Many charities offer telephone helpline services, while others provide one-to-one sessions in person. Some examples of organisations offering this type of support include:

Moving Minds

Headway

The Disabilities Trust

Spinal Injuries Association

Individuals who have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one due to a catastrophic injury can also gain access to counselling. Cruse Bereavement Care provides information and support for those who have been affected by the death of a loved one.

Support from case managers

A case manager will coordinate care for the injured person with their health and social services providers. The aim of this support is to ensure that the patient is equipped with the best healthcare and self-management tools, and is able to cope with everyday situations that have become more difficult since the injury.

Case managers, who very often have a background in nursing or occupational therapy, provide not only a much-needed support system for the patient, but will also aid the hospital or treatment centre in creating a care pathway that will help the individual to access the appropriate hospital discharge facilities.

It is the responsibility of the case manager to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of the patient; however, they must never take it upon themselves to make decisions for the patient that they are capable of making for themselves.

Others who have gone through a similar experience

For many people who are recovering from a life-changing injury, it can feel like they are alone in their pain and suffering, and that others don’t understand changes they are undergoing. Like most problems, talking to somebody who has been through a similar experience can help, particularly if they have come out on the other side with a positive attitude.

Many organisations provide people with the support of a mentor who can talk about their experience of injury. Talking to someone who understands these experiences and has coped well after a life-changing injury can be reassuring, encouraging and supportive for someone who is at the beginning of that journey.

Family, friends and work colleagues

Family, friends and work colleagues can be invaluable in providing daily practical and emotional support to people who have suffered a life-changing injury. They can also help with many day-to-day things, including memory problems, personal care, using the telephone, finances, mobility, as well as being an advocate and making sure your loved one has everything they need.

Charities

Charities offer valuable support and guidance to people who have experienced all manner of life-changing injuries, including:

Amputations

Amputation Foundation, which not only assists amputees but also medical professionals in their work to give new amputees the best start, following an amputation

Finding Your Feet, which supports families affected by amputation or limb absence through a range of sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects designed to positively affect both physical and mental wellbeing

Limbless Association, which provides support beyond limb loss. They believe no amputee should cope alone

Limbcare, which aims to create empathy, not sympathy, for all amputees and the limb impaired

LimbPower, which supports amputees, individuals with limb difference and their families to bridge the gap between hospital rehabilitation and community and school engagement

Asbestos-related illnesses

For a list of charities for asbestos-related illnesses, visit our dedicated page.

Back and spinal injuries

Back Up, which inspires people affected by spinal cord injury to get the most out of life

Aspire, which provides practical help to people from injury to independence

Spinal Research, which is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research around the world to develop effective treatments for paralysis

Head and brain injuries

Headway, which is dedicated to helping people with brain injuries on a local and national scale. The charity runs a network of groups and branches throughout the UK, and offers many excellent services, including rehabilitation programmes, carer support and respite care

BASIC, which is a Manchester-based charity that offers rehabilitation services for people who need help once they have been discharged from the hospital

Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Development (BIRD), which provides treatment for people with brain injuries and learning difficulties to help improve their quality of life.

Cerebra, which provides support services and practical help to improve the quality of life for children with neurological conditions and help their families.