The majority of case managers have experienced a situation where a family member has not acted in the best interests of their brain injured relative, new research has revealed.
A survey by Nockolds Solicitors and NR Times also found that 94 per cent of case managers believe that family members require greater support.
The findings are the latest to be released from the research among case managers, which also revealed that the majority are unconvinced the Government’s new ABI Strategy will lead to a step change in the care and support needed by people living with brain injury.
Commenting on the findings, Jennie Jones, head of the medical negligence and personal injury team at Nockolds Solicitors, said: “It is concerning that the majority of case managers have experienced a situation where a family member has failed to act in the best interests of their brain injured relative.
“The injured person’s rehabilitation must always be the priority and family members should not be distracted by material benefits.
“That said, family members are often under immense pressure and they need greater support. Bad decisions can sometimes be made due to a lack of understanding.”
Addressing the need for family members to receive greater support, Jennie added: “This is an area that needs be addressed in the Government’s ABI strategy.
“Case managers clearly feel that the absence of support for the families of those with ABI is a significant gap in provision.
“A brain injury does not just affect the individual, it affects everyone around them; their family and their friends.
“Family members have a very important role to play in helping the survivor make as full a recovery as possible. A good working relationship between the family and the rehabilitation team is essential in making sure that rehabilitation programmes are followed correctly.
“Research suggests that the patients who make the best recovery are those whose family is actively involved and can maintain the skills learned in rehabilitation once the patient has gone home.”
Deborah Johnson, editor of NR Times, added: “The findings of this research – which we are grateful so many case managers took the time to add their insight to – continue to highlight the need for support for those living with brain injury and those around them.
“Brain injury changes the lives of whole families, and we hear time and again how the lack of support after discharge from hospital has a huge adverse impact and adds to the trauma of the situation. This must be addressed, and we remain confident the ABI Strategy will help to bring about change.”
Following on from the research, Nockolds Solicitors has announced plans to launch a quarterly forum for brain injury case managers, providing complementary training and market insight. Further details will be released shortly.
