Adjusting to family role changes after spinal cord injury
Taking on extra roles
When a family member becomes injured or ill, other members of the family often take on extra roles. For example, if a father who always does the yard work now has a broken leg, a spouse or child may jump in to help. These changes are usually temporary, since Dad likes yard work and wants to do it again.
After a spinal cord injury, changes in family roles usually are not temporary.
Changes in couple relationships
When one member of a couple is seriously injured, the other one becomes responsible for the physical and emotional support of the couple. This can create changes in the relationship, as well.
Helping children adjust to new responsibilities
Children in the family of a seriously injured person may need help learning that the rest of the family will need to pitch in more. Give them a list of the tasks that need to be done, and let them choose the tasks they like to do or dislike the least. Praise them for a job well done. Remember they are children and need time to play and be with friends, and not feel like they must act like adults.
Finding strength in family support
While role changes are often hard, many good things may happen as a result. Families may learn to work together and support each other better. Children may begin to have confidence from learning new tasks. Families may find that life can still be fun, even though it is different. It takes patience, understanding, and teamwork to get to that point.
Moving forward instead of waiting for the past
Some families put their lives on hold, waiting for things to return to the way they used to be. Even in the best of times, life will never be the way it was before. Both the injured person and the family have gone through a major, life-changing event. Getting back into daily routines often helps families keep good support that brings pleasure back into life.