Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Family Class

The traumatic injury impacts the family members in many ways similar to that of the patient.  Family members are frequently overwhelmed by the many uncertainties they face as caregivers and must deal with a range of emotional reactions - frustration, anger, guilt, fear and sadness.  The family is likely to have a caregiving role.  This includes concrete tasks such as setting up the home to be accessible by a wheelchair, arranging for home care and equipment rentals, and reorganizing their lives to accommodate the often full time work of caregiving.  Caregivers are also facing the complex task of assuming the role of "case manage" for the patient - coordinating medical appointments, monitoring the patient's medical status and tracking medical information, and taking care of insurance and legal paperwork.  

The TSN Family Class is designed to help prepare the family for the caregiving role by providing resources, information, and addressing questions family members have during the hospitalization.  The Family Class is not designed to answer specific questions about he patient's condition or discharge needs; however, the class will help family members understand where they can get this information.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS CLASS TOPICS

  • Some of the topics highlighted during family classes include:
  • Surviving the Hospital Stay
    • Getting the information you need
    • Patient Care Plans
    • Managing visitors
    • Taking care of yourself and your family
  • Preparing for the Discharge / transition to rehabilitation or home
    • What to expect when your loved one leaves the hospital
    • Caring for the Patient at Home
  • Managing the patient’s care
    • Advocating for the patient with medical team and community
    • Finding help
    • Changes in Family Life
  • Finding balance while managing the needs of your loved one, other family members, and your own

HOW TO JOIN A FAMILY CLASS

If you wish to join a Family Class in your area, please contact the TSN Coordinator of your trauma center. And remember you can also go to our online community forum to link up with other families for information, support and hope.