How to Support Someone After a Life-Changing Accident

When a life-changing accident happens to a loved one, trying to support them can be difficult and confusing for everyone involved. Watching them adapt to a new lifestyle where their looks, movement or speech may have altered can leave you feeling depressed and anxious yourself – you may even feel guilty for feeling the way you do. You should, however, recognise that you’re allowed to feel the way you do, and you’re allowed to need support, too.

There is no black and white way of supporting someone who is in transition after a life-changing accident. Physical injuries and emotional ailments call for different types of support, and sometimes, people will experience both at the same time, meaning things can be intense for everyone involved. Here’s some advice on how to support someone after a life-changing accident:

Emotional Care

To begin with, the injured party may not want to broach the subject or even acknowledge the life-changing crisis they are facing. Whether this is because of denial or because they’ve already accepted it, it doesn’t matter – you’re there to support their emotional pain on their terms. You’re there to listen to whatever they say and engage with them normally. Keep the conversation light and talk to them about topics that interest them. If they bring up their injury, continue to listen and speak to them; you need to offer them emotional support whenever they call for it.

Do not, however, force your care or support on them unwillingly. For example, if they are trying to reach for something, refrain from completing the task for them. It may be hard to see them struggle, but taking away the chance of small victories can be disheartening and aggravating. If they need help, they most likely will ask for it.

Organise Donations

Depending on the injury, you may want to start a donations page that’ll provide financial support or recognition. You’ll find that people are more than happy to donate to a cause, especially if the life-changing situation was because of an unwarranted attack or accident. The donations collected can help support the whole family, or help with research on a rare disease or illness.

Legal Support

Sometimes, the accident could have been prevented or was caused because of someone else’s negligence. Claiming compensation can be a long winded affair, and, therefore, it can cause physical, mental and emotional strain on the injured, especially if the injured has been affected by something as serious as a brain injury. To make the process easier for everyone involved, finding a trusted brain injury solicitor or the equivalent can greatly help.

Do the Little Things

What initially seems insignificant could be hugely meaningful to the person in need of support. Whether you’re fluffing up their pillow, buying them their favourite magazines, keeping them up-to-date with the outside world or bringing them meals, the smallest of details can greatly enhance their mood and quality of life – especially if they’re stuck in a hospital. Small gestures can help keep moods and emotions elevated, but make sure not to overcompensate. Instead of buying them flowers and gifts, or issuing them out a “get better soon” card, your company will be far more appreciated – although, do not show up at the hospital unannounced as this can cause more chaos than good.