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SELF HELP RECOVERY Recovery Beyond Medicine
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Foreword Although we live in an era of tremendous medical progress that has dramatically improved prognosis of recovery for many diseases, this has not been the case for acquired brain injury. Still, there is a leading edge of incredible innovation in medical technology regarding the brain and intervention into the brain can be more successful, excising the tumor and repairing the ruptured aneurysm with less collateral damage. Significant improvements in long-term recovery are also possible for those who, miraculously, survive brain injury and surgical intervention, as well as closed-head injury and TBI. The wonderful thing about this potential for more effective recovery is that it is mainly based on common sense, right thinking, good attitudes--understanding the patient and planning and implementing long-term objectives. Much continues to be said about the plight of the caregiver, specifically, caregiver burnout. It is true that caregiving can be a demanding job, but we suggest that there is a better way than co-dependency. Independent living is the best goal for the patient. However, this goal cannot be attained in a short period. Independence is an achievable ideal which is manifested bit by bit, piece by piece, area by area over an extended period of time, as long as 10-15 years. When it comes, recovery may appear spontaneously but it must also be facilitated, and in this the caregiver is rewarded by seeing the progress the patient makes towards independence. The patient should not be hidden away and protected or warehoused but out in the world and gently but persistently challenged. This is, perhaps, not so much a problem as it might be, since , in fact, most individuals recovering from head injury want to be out and about doing things, even though they may not remember what they had done only moments afterwards. On the other hand, many victims, perhaps the majority, are left by their families, spouses and friends to recover on their own. Especially with a closed-head injury, the patient simply may not look the part and they may seem to others to be tedious and needy. To meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, more and more schools, especially community colleges, offer supportive services and special courses and programs for students with disabilities. The purpose of this book and website is to show care givers these and other resources available to everyone regardless of means. The individual making his or her own way through the labyrinth of recovery, obviously, has a more difficult time as it is almost impossible for them to find their way without guidance. In many states and communities guidance is available for both the recovering individual and care givers. About the Authors Gordon Chapman has been an economist, teacher and researcher in the field of
social impacts from science and technology. Jane Roberts Chapman has been
an economist and, as co-founder and, for 25 years, Director and President of the
Center for Women Policy Studies in Washington DC, conducted innovative,
leading-edge research and developed technical assistance programs on the
economic and legal status of women. |
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©2005, 2006, 2007 Self Help Recovery: Brain Injury Recovery Self Help, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |