It’s tough to see the person you love in pain, right? And things get worse when it happens due to a personal injury when someone else is responsible. Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a medical error, seeing them in pain and struggling to become their normal self is stressful.
Did you know that injury accounts for over 150,000 deaths in the US every year? And more than 3 million Americans sustain non-fatal injuries per year. The numbers are scary! They also indicate that you may face a similar challenge at some point. If their injury is severe, and they require full-time care, you might be thinking can a spouse get paid as a caregiver? The answer varies depending on where you’re located, but a quick internet search can give you all the necessary information.
There are things you can do to support your spouse in getting through this difficult time. Even though you cannot do much medically, simply being there makes a difference. But how can you help your partner when you feel stress and frustration taking over? Let your love for your spouse show you the way and we’ll share a few more tips to help. Here you go!
Accept the truth
Seeing your partner in bed or in a wheelchair is frightening, but it’s something you need to accept. Everyone’s recovery process is different because it depends on their injuries, environment, and mindset. As a spouse, you must bear with the fact that life may never be the same.
You may blame yourself for letting things happen, but mishaps are unpredictable. If a negligent person is responsible, you’ll have negative feelings for them. But you’ve got to control your emotions and deal with the situation sensibly.
Be patient and understanding
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but people often overlook it. An injured partner may seem like a burden at some point, specifically when they are angry or unresponsive. You may feel resentful and frustrated dealing with the situation. But being patient and understanding is the key.
They might be in pain or dealing with the frustration of losing their independence and mobility. Be there to listen to them, but avoid pushing them too hard. Take things slow and easy!
Seek justice and compensation
A traumatic injury can have lifelong implications. But the silver lining is that victims can claim compensation for their pain and suffering if a negligent person is responsible. It’s your duty as a partner to help them seek justice and compensation.
You can rely on the expertise of personal injury lawyers to get the claim they deserve, so hiring a good one is the key to success. While justice gives peace of mind, the compensation part is even more significant because it puts your finances on track. You can pay the medical bills and bear the brunt of lost wages with the amount.
Help with pain management
Let’s accept it- pain management is an integral part of recovery from a traumatic injury. But does it mean your spouse has to be on pain medication for the long run? Well, painkillers are not great for health and they can have dire side effects.
You can help them look for alternative ways to manage their pain. For example, yoga and meditation are excellent remedies, so you can take classes to learn them first. You can even master massage and aromatherapy skills to help with pain management.
Assist with daily tasks
When a person is recovering from a severe injury, they might not be able to do everything independently. They may even lose mobility and strength to handle daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. This is where you come in as an ideal partner.
Offer to help and take the load off your spouse so they can focus on their recovery. But never show that you’re going out of the way to help. Make things as effortless as possible!
Encourage them to get professional help
Sometimes, recovery from a personal injury requires more than the support of loved ones. In fact, most victims struggle with mental health issues like PTSD, nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety. They may never want to get behind the wheel again.
Encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist sooner than later. It is the only way to restore normalcy in their life. So remind your loved one that it’s okay to seek help.
Wrapping Up
An ideal partner is one who sticks with their loved one in all situations. Are you ready to go the extra mile to support your spouse through a traumatic injury? While doing your bit in this situation is not easy, it’s doable. Following these tips can take you on the right track. And remember, you’re both in this together!