No matter how serious a traumatic brain injury may be, certain cognitive challenges and issues will arise as a result. Memory loss may occur, difficulty with performing routine tasks may be encountered, and it may be impossible to adhere to any type of organization or structure. These are just a few of the difficulties that may be encountered. Thankfully, there are some great technological tools available to help victims of TBI better cope with these cognitive challenges. The key is to help your loved one find these tools, learn how to use them, and feel comfortable utilizing the help.
It is first important to determine the correct tool to use. Such tools can be expensive and they can take some time to learn. You do not want to cause frustration on the part of the person with a TBI by asking them to learn something that they cannot make use of.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your quest:
These are just a few of the items that you will want to consider before buying an assistive tool for an individual with a TBI. Remember that such tools are meant to be an asset and not a liability. Ensuring that you choose the right tool is key in making this happen.
When you get ready to teach some with a TBI how to use an assistive tool, it is first important to learn how to use it yourself. You want to become a master at the tool and then you can help your loved one to do the same. Write down some simple steps that you and the individual learning tool can use.
It is important to teach with a gentle spirit. Take your time. Allow the person to practice and make mistakes. Depending on how complex the tool is, remember to take some breaks and then resume practice when everyone involved is rested. After you have taught the individual you care about how to use the tool, practice using it in real-life situations. Make sure the person is comfortable using it on their own and that it benefits in the way it was intended.
Support tools can be a great help to an individual with a brain injury. However, it is important to use them as they were intended and to ensure that they are genuinely helping the person and not hindering them. As a person begins to recover from their injury, you may need to help them lessen their dependence on such tools. Keep that in mind as you go through this process.
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