A work injury doesn’t just affect the person hurt—it ripples through the entire household. Physical pain is only one part of the ordeal; emotional stress and financial worries often loom large, as well. As a spouse, witnessing your partner struggle can be heart-wrenching. Knowing how to help them can make a real difference for you and the person you love.
Meeting obvious needs
It’s natural to think about the physical needs first. Some of the essential ways to help someone recovering from an accident include:
- Help with getting around: Offer assistance with walking, using stairs or getting in and out of chairs.
- Prepare meals: Cook nutritious meals and make sure your spouse eats regularly.
- Spend time and listen to them: Lend an ear and spend time with them so they feel loved and supported.
- Administer medicines: Keep medications organized so that your spouse stays on track.
Friends and family often want to help when someone is struggling but aren’t sure what they can do. Having them manage tasks like these can make the situation easier on you and allow you to focus on some of the less obvious – but essential – ways to help your spouse.
Finding professional help
You don’t have to handle everything alone. North Dakota offers many resources for injured workers and their families. You can help by:
- Researching qualified physical therapists in your area
- Finding support groups for families of injured workers
- Connecting with mental health professionals who specialize in trauma
- Looking into local community support programs
Connecting your spouse with the right professionals can significantly impact their recovery journey.
Taking on administrative burdens
The paperwork after a workplace injury can overwhelm anyone, especially someone in pain. You can provide valuable help by:
- Contacting an attorney who specializes in workplace injuries
- Organizing and submitting workers’ compensation documents
- Attending meetings with insurance representatives
- Managing medical bills and insurance claims
- Creating a calendar system for appointments and deadlines
Handling these tasks can alleviate some stress on your partner, help them pursue effective solutions and improve their recovery process.
Remember your own well-being
Supporting an injured spouse requires energy and patience. Make sure to maintain your own health during this challenging time. You’ll be a better support system when you also take care of yourself. While this situation is difficult, having the right information and resources makes it easier for both of you to move forward together.