Experiencing a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact a person for life. The person who experienced a traumatic brain injury may need to cope with symptoms for a long time. Additionally, their spouse, adult children, or friends and family often need to step into the caregiver role. A caregiver’s role is challenging in any scenario; however, caregiving has become much more difficult during the coronavirus pandemic.
Caregiving Has Become More Difficult
Many states across the country have been under shutdown orders, preventing people from gathering in public places and leaving their homes. As a result of the shutdown orders, economies have suffered significantly, and many Americans have been laid off or had their hours reduced. Caregivers who are the sole working adult in their families feel this pressure enormously. If a caregiver has experienced reduced working hours or has been laid off, they may wonder how they will be able to provide for themselves and their loved one who has experienced a TBI.
The COVID-19 virus itself is also dangerous to those with pre-existing health concerns. Many caregivers are worried that their loved ones will become infected with the virus and experience extremely negative health consequences or even death. Hospitals are enforcing strict policies, and in many cases, they are not allowing loved ones to come with the patient into the hospital. This type of separation is exceptionally troublesome for TBI victims who may already cope with anxiety and depression symptoms.
Facing Caregiver Burnout
Those caretakers who receive respite care or skilled nursing care for their loved ones are also at risk. Caretakers who occasionally come to help care for their loved ones may catch the virus, or they may be working for reduced hours. The pandemic has caused shortages in skilled nursing staff. Many caretakers are left scrambling to find replacement help when their current caretakers are unable to arrive.
Additionally, caretakers cannot engage in the activities they once enjoyed to relieve stress and help them cope with their role. For example, if a caregiver enjoys going to the salon or going to the gym to work out, they may not be able to do so, depending on their state’s lockdown conditions. When caregivers cannot refill their tank with rest and activities they enjoy, they may experience burnout and become extremely stressed and unable to sleep well at night.
Contact an Experienced TBI Lawyer
Are you the caregiver to a loved one who has experienced a traumatic brain injury? If you or your loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury caused by another person’s negligent or intentional behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. Securing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit could help you to obtain the extra assistance and treatments your loved one needs to help you both cope during this challenging time. Contact the experienced TBI lawyers at Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free initial consultation.
