Safety Precautions for People with Traumatic Brain Injury
Once a person has a brain injury, he/she is three times more likely to have a second brain injury. After the second brain injury, the odds of having a third brain injury increase by eight times.
Because there may be problems with judgment, decision making, motor control and impulsivity, personal safety must be a priority to prevent re-injury.
While it is important to promote independence, it is necessary to make sure the environment is safe.
Important Fact: Most accidents occur in the kitchen and bathroom, the places where people spend the most time.
Do you have any of these objects in your home?
Common household items including car keys, medications and sharp objects may not have previously been dangerous to keep in your home. Since having a brain injury, it is now important to keep your surroundings clear and free from sharp objects, fire hazards, medicines, poisons, heavy machines and weapons.
Please keep these potentially dangerous items locked up away from loved ones. You may still keep these items in your home but they now require special safeguards, ideally LOCKED UP.
Personal Safety – Steps to reduce behavioral issues including overstimulation, confusion, and aggression
- Limit number of visitors and length of visits.
- Avoid events that are noisy and crowded.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks/drugs.
- Ask your doctor before taking new medications.
- Keep the day as structured as possible.
- Get enough sleep and take rest breaks throughout the day.
- Wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
- Keep light source (including flashlight) in easy reach. Maintain good lighting in all environments.
In this section you will find information on the following areas that pertain to safety after a brain injury. Not all of these will affect everyone who has sustained a brain injury.
- Fall Prevention
- Emergency Preparedness and Shepherd Center's RESCUE Program
- Abuse and Neglect
- Home Safety and Safety Checklist Worksheet
Resources:
Injury Prevention for People with Brain Injury
Once a person has sustained a brain injury, the likelihood of another brain injury increases. Click HERE for more information on preventing additional injuries.
