Beyond Diagnosis: Tips For Building A Strong Support System After A Neurological Event

Having a stroke or a traumatic brain injury happens to many people, and recovery can be one of the most difficult parts of the experience. Finding a way to live your life in health and comfort may take some work. A support system can help by filling in the gaps in your abilities and giving you a shoulder to lean on. With this information, you will understand the importance of building a reliable support system, as well as learning ways to ensure that your support system can continue to assist you throughout your recovery.

What Is a Support System?

Most everyone has some kind of support system. People rely on support systems to help them manage their lives, even if they are in perfect health and can handle almost everything individually. Support systems cover different aspects of health and life, including: 

• Emotional
• Physical
• Professional
• Medical
• Monetary

In essence, your support system is a group of people, professionals, and organizations who make up your friends, family, coworkers, and care team. These are the people you can count on to come through when you need help, whether you want someone to talk to or assistance with a physical task.

Why Are Support Systems Important for Recovery?

Support systems are crucial for recovery because they can help you progress along a path that gives you more independence and the ability to manage things on your own. After a neurologic event, many people struggle to handle even minor day-to-day tasks. Although your healthcare provider may offer services to help you regain skills, such as occupational therapy, you might need additional support to get through the day. A comprehensive support system can assist you in rebuilding your life and health, with help ranging from emotional to monetary support.

Support System Options

After a serious health event, you will need a larger support system to help you. You should consider people in these categories who can provide considerate and consistent care when building your support system.

Friends and Family

Friends and family members make up the most frequent actors in most people’s support systems. Think about the people you can trust to answer a call and provide help when you need it, even if the assistance is inconvenient or difficult for them. Before you ask people in this group to make a commitment, be sure to take their needs into consideration and set some boundaries. Your friends and relatives may love you and want you to get better, but you need to confirm that they are willing and able to provide the support you need.

Healthcare Professionals

A robust support system certainly involves the healthcare professionals that you rely on for regular and acute care. Encourage your care team to send information about your recovery plan to your primary care physician so that you have a consistent record of treatments, procedures, and other care. Remember that there may be other care providers who can relieve symptoms or promote wellness besides the primary doctor or team handling your recovery. For example, a chiropractic neurologist may be able to help you recover more of your abilities. Research your options and ask your care team for recommendations.

Support Groups

Support groups can provide a kind of support that many friends, family members, and even doctors cannot give. You can find support groups for people who have gone through health events like yours, and often, groups exist for your specific stage of healing. Support groups allow you to commiserate and share advice with others with similar experiences. Look for options that are convenient and easy for you to attend. Many support groups offer online options or social media accounts that you can use to get more information or talk to others in the same situation.

Government Services and Charities

Recovering from a neurologic event may make it difficult for you to handle daily tasks, including work, food preparation, and cleaning. Even if you were not eligible for financial or physical care assistance prior to your change in health, you may find programs that exist to help you with recovery. Ask your hospital’s social worker to look at your situation and recommend programs that you can explore. Your local community may also have charities that provide free or low-cost services, such as cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.

Rebuilding your life after a neurologic event takes a major investment of your time and energy, which is why you will need a great support system. Support systems help you create the space you need to heal. By following these tips, you can create a support system that will give you a head start during your recovery.

The post Beyond Diagnosis: Tips For Building A Strong Support System After A Neurological Event appeared first on Resources on Disability Assistance: Your Rights and Benefits.

source https://www.disabilityhelp.org/beyond-diagnosis-tips-for-building-a-strong-support-system-after-a-neurological-event/