A NOTE TO CAREGIVERS
Family and close friends play a key role in a patient ’ s recovery . You can be your loved one ’ s eyes and ears , advocate for good care , and encourage and support their healing . Many survivors make a nearly full recovery , with some residual deficits , but the process is long , taking weeks , months , or even years . Therefore , supporting a survivor requires patience and understanding .
Once your loved one returns home from the hospital or rehabilitation facility , the hard work begins . With some survivors , deficits can alter their personality and temperament so accepting this “ new ” person is the first step in helping him or her recover and move ahead . Often the deficits might not be obvious at first , but nonetheless impact your loved one ’ s functioning and the ability to interact with others at home , the workplace , or other social settings .
These will help with the recovery process :
• Set small , achievable goals for you and the survivor .
• Be aware of your loved one ’ s strengths and weaknesses , physically and cognitively , so you can prevent them from adding stress to your lives .
• Seek therapy , whether individual and / or group therapy , to work through your own emotions .
• Join a brain aneurysm support group ( find locations at bafound . org ) or connect with others on the Brain Aneurysm Foundation ’ s online support community ( bafsupport . org ).
• Develop a plan , reward yourself , and always talk to one another .
• Find time to have fun together .
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