Search

Purpose: To obtain a better understanding of the factors which complicate or facilitate the adjustment of caregivers after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults. Research Method: At 4, 8, and 12 months post-TBI (mild to severe), 65 caregivers answered two open-ended questions regarding facilitators and challenges linked to the injury of their loved one. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: Participants mentioned almost as many facilitators as challenges at each time point. Among the facilitators, we found the following themes: receiving social support, having access to rehabilitation, improvement of the injured loved one's health condition, returning to live at home, having access to home services, feeling useful, effective communication, and having time for oneself. The challenges identified were: health issues in the injured loved one, psychological impact on the caregiver, assuming a new role, relationship strain, and decrease in activities and outings. Conclusions: During the first year following TBI in older adults, caregivers were able to identify several facilitators despite the presence of challenging factors, suggesting effective coping and resilience. This knowledge can guide potential caregivers in their adaptation after TBI in an older adult, and we propose a simple tool to support this process. Impact and Implications: Caregivers should be supported in their adjustment to challenges brought about by brain injury in older age. Caregivers can leverage several facilitators, namely using or finding social support, accessing rehabilitation and home support services, and communicating effectively with their injured loved one. We propose a concrete tool (for professionals or families) to allow the examination of both challenges and facilitators and to explore solutions in order to facilitate caregivers' adjustment. This tool could be used at different time points postinjury to support their adjustment and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]