Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be a devastating condition in elderly patients as older adults have a harder time recovering from brain injuries. More than 80,000 elderly patients experience TBIs every year, according to statistics from the CDC. Of these, approximately 75% result in hospitalizations.
More than half of all TBIs in elderly patients are also caused by falls, usually from standing height. Other common causes include motor vehicle accidents and assaults.
Diagnosing TBI in Older Adults
While TBIs often lead to more severe consequences in older adults, many elderly patients do not seek treatment for head injuries.
Therefore, it can be helpful for loved ones to learn the signs of TBI so that you can seek appropriate medical treatment if it happens. Here are some signs to look out for that might indicate a head injury:
• Are they exhibiting unusual behavior?
• Are they suddenly irritable, combative, confused, or disinhibited?
• Have they recently fallen, and are there new bruises visible, especially around their face?
• Do they complain of headaches?
• Have they stopped social activities?
It’s not easy caregiving for someone with a brain injury as they try to recover, as recovery can often be long and tedious. If your loved one has suffered a brain injury and has reached the continue at home recovery point, Acti-Kare can help by:
• Allowing Recovery in a Familiar Environment – Part of recovery from any kind of trauma is the ability to fully rest and recover. Recovering in familiar surroundings with support from loved ones and friends is great for mental wellness and allows for a speedier, stress-free recovery.
• Trained Professional Caregivers – Because our caregivers are trained for specific types of care, your loved one will be matched with a caregiver who knows how to care for TBI patients safely and efficiently while they recover at home. Our caregivers will also be able to offer suggestions for creating a safer environment while your loved one is recovering.
• Maintaining a Schedule – Regular scheduled care can reduce stress on both the patient and family caregivers by assuring that certain tasks will be completed regularly. This can also help minimize disruptions within the family and help maintain daily routines.
When you or a loved one suffers from a brain injury it is life changing. Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care can help and provide the professional support needed during the recovery process.
Contact us at 888-451-5273 to schedule your caregiver today.