It’s Almost Halloween – But do you know what’s really frightening?

Well, it’s almost Halloween. It’s that time of the year for lots of “pretend” scary things, dressing in costumes, and candy for the kids. Quite a few adults enjoy the Halloween candy and parties too. Every time we pass the chocolate isle at the grocery store, Larry has one of his chocoholic attacks. This time of year is especially challenging when it comes to chocolate and other sweet treats.

On a more serious note, one of the most frightening events for anyone is facing an acquired brain injury. Whether the injury is to them personally or to their loved one, there will be a lot of suffering and some very scary events along the way.

There are many types of brain injury, but a very common one and the one you hear most about these days is the Traumatic Brain Injury acquired from a car crash, or a motorcycle (or bicycle) accident. God forbid, it could even be from a car striking someone in costume on Halloween who steps into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Keep an extra eye on the little ones on trick-or-treat night.

You may already know someone who has suffered some form of brain injury. Regardless of how it was acquired, there is a need for all the resources available to deal with the situation.

Such resources as:

• Rehabilitation
• Support Groups (both individual and family (caregiver)
• Attorney/Lawyer
• Doctors

It’s hard to say which of these are most important, but if I had to choose, I would say caregiver support. Still, some are of equal importance. The brain injured person needs the support of someone that can be trusted to look after their best interests since they will not be able to do that in the beginning. Support Groups are beneficial for both the brain injury survivor and the caregiver(s). These groups can be helpful since they are comprised of those who are going through similar circumstances. Sharing experiences can be enlightening and educational.

Professionals, survivors, and caregivers say early rehabilitation is so important. Since rehabilitation facilities are not inexpensive, it may be necessary to hire an attorney to make sure the insurance company recognizes the need for such services; and, that they continue to pay for the services that should be covered. Many times, it is next to impossible to get insurance companies to act quickly. That’s where a brain injury attorney can help, since early treatment can increase the chance of better results. A section in Brain Injury Survivor’s Guide tells of our experience dealing with the insurance company. Not only did it take longer than it should have to get approval; there was a constant struggle to get them to continue to pay throughout the treatment period. Meanwhile, we were trying to cope without any strategy tools to help us. This time of year always reminds me of when we were told by my insurance company that I would lose the right to return to the rehabilitation facility if I went home for Christmas Day to be with my family.

Finances are a huge consideration for most families dealing with the results of brain injury. There are doctor bills, hospital bills, attorney fees, and rehabilitation costs (if no insurance), just to name a few. There can even be unpaid time off for caregivers when they take their loved one to the doctor, or for medical tests. Jobs can even be lost, but, as we all know, the bills continue to be delivered.

All these things are certainly frightening, but with support and the availability of compensatory strategy tools, the disaster of brain injury can be managed, which makes it possible to lead a fulfilling and productive life again.

Enjoy Halloween – but be careful out there.