The Impact on Families of Adolescents with ABI

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The Impact on Families ofAdolescents with ABI

• Ronald C. Savage, Ed.D.

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Survey of 83 UK Families

• He fell behind as he got older, became isolated,
  depressed and frustrated
• We had no help or supportthere was no specialist
  knowledge
• We did not realise the lasting damage,no-one
  explained to us
• Things that look like small problems are big
  problems for these children
• We lived through two years of hell with no help
• Wicks and Punt, 2006

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How can we better support our families?

• ? Do we become more empathetic
• ? Do we listen harder
• ? Do we work harder, longer
• ? Do we involve them in everything
• ? Do we protect them and solve problems for
  them
• ? What

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How to support families

• Family-centered care principles
• Understanding coping strategies
• Respecting family functioning
• Developing communication skills
• Creating education and training
• Transition planning

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1. Family-centered care

• Adopting new attitude and giving up old beliefs
• Guiding principles
• Recognizing family members unique expertise and
  knowledge

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2. Family coping styles

• Psychological coper
• Physical coper
• Spiritual coper
• Cognitive coper
• Support system coper
• DePompei 2003

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3. Respecting family functioning and culture

• Labeling dysfunctional or in denial versus
  seeing changeable behaviors
• Recognizing the recovery roller coaster
• Understanding cultural components

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Brain Development
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World equals 100 people

• 57 Asians 21 Europeans 8 Africans
  14 N/S Americans
• 70 of 100 people of color
• 70 of 100 would not be Christian
• 45 of worlds wealth held by 6 people all US
  citz
• 70 unable to read
• 80 would live in sub-standard housing
• 50 would suffer from malnutrition
• 1 would have a college education

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4. Developing family communication
skills

• Content of communication
• Style of communication
• Environment for communication
• Encouraging family communication
• Respect and dignity

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5. Family education training

• Family as the ultimate case manager
• Transfer of knowledge and skills

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Case Management Skills for Families

• Assessment
• Information gathering
• Referral
• Service coordination
• Advocacy
• Evaluation
• Lash 2000

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6. Transition Planning

• Start planning early
• Identify external resources needed
• Focus on functional and real-life issues

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Conclusion

• Brain injury is contagiousit effects the entire
  family
• Recovery is a roller coaster, ongoing
• Families professionals success
• Plan with meaning