Life Care Planning for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

Unfortunately, if you are discussing the need for a life care plan, chances are you or your loved one has had some type of accident that resulted in a traumatic or catastrophic injury.  Perhaps it was an auto accident, a truck accident from a tractor trailor, or an injury sustained while working. Generally speaking, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and/or paralysis warrant the need for a long term life care plan.  

Life Care Plans consider all aspect of one’s long-term care needs throughout the next phases of life. For some families, a life care plan is the first and most comprehensive explanation of the traumatic condition and its long-term implications. Each case and each individual must be evaluated based on their needs such as assisted living and rehabilitation facility choices, medications, medical equipment, and mental health services. Living with a traumatic brain injury or supporting a loved one is an ongoing process of decision making. Many personal injury attorneys contract with Life Care Planning firms to see their clients are informed about the options available to them, and aware of their clinical and legal support network. Life Care Planners assist attorneys, financial planners, insurance companies, physicians and other stakeholders in understanding the level of specialized care necessary to fulfill the needs of the injured party to enhance their quality of life.

The North American Brain Injury Society writes on their website that 80,000 people are estimated to be discharged from the hospital with some TBI-related disability annually.  

Life Care Planners are life savers for people with catastrophic injuries. Virginians suffering from traumatic brain injuries have a strong network of resources and support through the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. THE BIAV advocates for patients, physicians, and caregivers at the state, local, and federal level to provide the best assistance to the brain injury community. They have a personalized assistance programs and support groups for friends and family, education and training programs for caregivers and Life Care Planners, and conduct public awareness and prevention campaigns to reduce the number of traumatic brain injuries in the Commonwealth.

If you have questions or are looking for more information, visit the Brain Injury Association of Virginia’s website or call 804-355-5748.