Brain Injury not only affects its victim, but those around them. In many cases, relatives are often overlooked despite facing many obstacles accepting and adjusting to a new way of life. Family Experience of Brain Injury showcases a unique collaboration between relatives of brain injured individuals and professionals from the field of neurorehabilitation. Family members from all different viewpoints tell their story and how the brain injury of a loved one has affected them.

This book provides a space for those hidden and marginalised voices, the people who are in for the long haul, often dismissed by services and left to cope in isolation. By combining expert commentary with real life experiences, this book points towards sources of support, normalises the experience and provides a context for understanding the grief and losses of family members. Not only will the hard-earnt knowledge and wisdom evident in this book help educate health and social care staff, it highlights how love, commitment, hope and perseverance, against a seemingly unbearable grief, can remain.

It is essential reading for individuals and families touched by brain injury and will give multi-disciplinary professionals, such as medics, nurses, psychologists, therapists, social workers, rehabilitation practitioners and clinical supervisors, a greater understanding of their role in helping the affected family.

Jo qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1979, then studied with the Open University to complete a degree in psychology and research. She has had the privilege of working with individuals with brain injury and their families for the past 30 years.

By accident Mark became a support worker for people with brain injuries nearly 30 years ago, he qualified as a social worker in 1995 and continues to work with individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Foreword

Dr Alyson Norman, psychologist and sister of a severely brain injured brother

Preface

Mark Holloway

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

Jo Clark Wilson and Mark Holloway

2. Acquired Brain Injury and Families

Jackie Dean, Jo Clark Wilson and Mark Holloway

3. The Family and the Team

Dan talks to Dr Siobhan Palmer about his son Paul

4. Behaviour, Vulnerability and the Criminal Justice System

Jeanne describes the challenges faced by her son Adam's brain injury, Jackie Dean reflects upon this story

5. Grief without end

Laura's story of her husband John and the stroke that so affected their lives. Dr Giles Yeates reflects upon this story

6. Support of Siblings

Eliza and Grace, both sisters of severely brain injured people, tell their stories to Jo Clark Wilson

7. Children's Challenges

Alistair, Beatrix and their mother Christine describe the impact of their father/husband's brain injury and Deidre describes the events and outcome of the accident that killed her mother and severely brain injured father

8. The Impact of Acquired Brain Injury on the Family: Common Themes, Threads and Differences

Jo Clark Wilson and Mark Holloway

9. What may Help?

Jo Clark Wilson and Mark Holloway

10. In Conclusion

Jo Clark Wilson and Mark Holloway

References

Index