Brain Injury Resources for Survivors and Families
Information= Power and Connection
Information can empower you and reduce the isolation that sometimes comes with a new diagnosis. On the following pages I’ve included some good websites for organizations that provide reliable information about brain injury, rehabilitation, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. There are also lists of books that can answer many of your questions. Each person’s recovery is unique, so please be sure to bring your questions to your treatment team.
I’ve included some memoirs written by brain injury survivors and caregivers. That’s because we can often learn something of value from how another person coped and moved forward even when our story is not exactly the same.
Survivors and family caregivers will find information specifically for their interests in their own section. However, feel free to browse for any subject that interests you! I’d like to hear about the books and websites you think are great. Please contact me and I’ll add your recommendations.
Caregiver & Families
When one person in a family suffers a brain injury, every member is affected. Here are some resources to begin learning about brain injury. I’ve also included resources to help you manage the responsibilities and changes that come with being a caregiver.
Brain Injury Survivors
Learning more about brain injury and how to move your recovery along is a smart move. Here are some resources about brain injury, communication issues, and building skills. Recovery from a moderate-severe brain injury can take months or years. But that’s also the good news! There are many ways to keep restoring your skills or learning new ways to make up for a problem area. Your attitude, motivation, support network, and opportunities can go a long way to shaping a life that makes you happy and proud.
Military Brain Injury
First, thank you for your service and sacrifice. There are many brain injury resources available from both military and public websites and organizations. Here are some resources to get you started.
Tips for Family Caregivers
You can also find tip sheets for becoming a Resilient Caregiver. I’ll be adding tip sheets weekly, so please check back. If there is a topic you would like to see included, please contact me and I’ll add it.
More Resources
You can also find information at your local hospital or rehabilitation program. Your State Brain Injury Association can connect you with local inpatient and community brain injury programs, support groups, professionals, vocational resources, and recreation programs.
Your State Disability Commission or Office on Disability has information on programs, housing, vocational rehab, and legal issues and policies.
Joining a brain injury support group may help you feel less isolated, learn new skills, and have fun. Some groups offer a separate groups for family caregivers. Your state Brain Injury Association may have a list of local groups.
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