BASIC Information for families & caregivers
Following a brain injury there are a variety of commonly experienced emotions by family members. Most common, according to research, are depression, guilt, anxiety and anger.

Numerous studies have examined quality of life in survivors of brain injury but there has been very little investigation into family member’s quality of life. This is an important area that is starting to receive attention because recent findings suggest that family adjustment influences outcome for brain-injured individuals.

Things families need to hear

1. Anger, sorrow and frustration are natural emotions expected
2. Caregivers must take good care of themselves if they are to be of optimal benefit to the patient
3. In the inevitable conflicts with patient and carer (and other family members) you must ultimately rely on your own judgement and conscience. Try to remain open to constructive input from others in making decisions.
4. Everyone must try to understand the family role changes necessitated by the patient’s brain injury. It can be emotionally distressing for all family members.
5. There are realistic limits to what family members can do to change the patient's personality or behaviour - so you need not feel guilty or ineffective when care doesn't result in dramatic improvement. You may wish to have supportive counselling which involves dealing with unrealistic expectations.
6. Many patients go through the recovery period that replicates normal development e.g. walking, talking, and taking care of themselves. Need to be encouraged to proceed at the patient's own pace in developing his or her existing potential. Take one step at a time.

Research shows that even some severely injured patients make excellent recoveries & families are not unduly burdened. In time family life settles down. It’s not all bad news!

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How can BASIC help?
BASIC provides a range of services for family, carer and the person having undergone the brain injury.

Our national helpline is where we can provide support, advice and practical information. Those with direct experience of brain injury staff the help line. We can also put people in touch with others in a similar situation through our self-help support groups.

If you need specific medical information, your first point of contact should always be your GP who, if they cannot answer your questions themselves, should refer you on to someone who could.

For more specific information contact BASIC's Helpline

Tel 0870 7500 000

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Recardo Patrick, EPC International (Patron)
www.epcint.co.uk

Chest Heart and Stroke Charity
adviceline@chss.org.uk

Epilepsy Action (replaces Epilepsy Association)
www.epilepsy.org.uk
Helpline 0808 800 5050

BASIC (england)

BASIC (scotland)

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust

Brain Tumour Action

British Epilepsy Association

Headway National Head Injuries Assoc.

DSSFreeline

British Brain and Spine Foundation

BACUP

British Brain Tumour Association

www.bluelagoonevents.co.uk
Unit 6
Wellington Road
Low Moss Industrial Estate
Bishopbriggs
Glasgow
G64 25A
0141 762 1113

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust
Acorn House
397a

Midsummer Boulevard
Milton Keynes
MK9 3HP
01908 230300

Brain Tumour Action
30 Woodburn Terrace
Morningside  
Edinburgh
EH10 4SS
0131 339 5343

British Epilepsy Association
Anstey House
40 Hannover Square
Leeds
LS3 1BE
0113 243 9393

Headway National Head Injuries Assoc
7 King Edward Court
King Edward Street
Nottingham
NG1 1EW
0115 912 1000

DSSFreeline
0800 882200
0800 666555

British Brain and Spine Foundation
7 Winchester House
Kennington Park, Cranmer Road
London
SW9 6EJ
0171 404 6106

BACUP
3 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London  
EC2A 3JR
0800 181119

British Brain Tumour Association
2 Oakfield Road
High Town
Merseyside
L38 9GQ
0151 929 3229

Philip Denning
UKABIF (UK Aquired Brain Injury Foundation)
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
West Hill
Putney
London
SW15 3SW
Tel: 0208 780 4500 Ex: 5140
Fax: 0208 780 4569
Email: ukabif@rhn.org.uk