WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER IS SEVERLY INJURED AT WORK?

Severe or long term injuries can impact the injured person psychologically as well as physically. . Their physical ability may be reduced, and they may begin to lose self-confidence. There may also be uncertainty regarding their pace of recovery, and difficulty dealing with long term pain

While some injured workers avoid all activities and therefore become depressed and unmotivated, others may push themselves to do everything that they did before.

Family members should remember that the injured person is reacting to a loss. This may be a loss of:

• function, power, skills
• the ability to have fun, exercise, seek new challenges
• social contact and ability to maintain life balance
• hope of recovery and source of meaning and purpose in life
• income leading to financial stress
• personal identity and who they are.

As a result of this loss, people may experience the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These may occur in any order and can recur. If an injured worker gets caught in one phase, it may impact on their recovery.

People in a close relationship with the injured employee, particularly family members, need to deal with changes in the relationship they had with the person.

THE IMPACT

Families are often deeply impacted when a worker is significantly injured, both economically and emotionally. The family dynamic can undergo significant changes as a result. The stress and strain of having an injured worker in the family can sometimes be long term and substantial, and can cause partners to separate.

Gaining an understanding about the effects of the injury and being aware ways of coping can help the recovery process. They can also help prevent negative impact on the family at a difficult time.

Having someone to assist with physical and emotional needs often reduces stress levels in the injured worker. 

The majority of research identifies social support as being positively related to health and wellbeing. It has also been found to reduce the intensity of pain, lower reliance on medication and encouragement to return to work. Negative impacts may include dependency and poor mental health.

WHAT CAN FAMILY MEMBERS DO?

Rather than taking a passive approach, family members do best when they acknowledge the impact that the illness or injury has, not only on the injured person, but also on the family.

It can be useful to consider how the injured family member is feeling, as well as how the family and the injured worker think about the injury. What emotions keep bubbling to the surface? What is everyone keeping to themselves instead of sharing? Which behaviours have a positive or a negative impact on the situation?

If the injury or illness was caused by a traumatic incident, it can help to talk about it. This can help the injured person to accept what has happened and can help to accelerate their recovery. It also helps the family members to accept the situation, and the changes in the relationship. This helps the focus to shift from negativity towards recovery. Bear in mind that it can take different amounts of time for different people.

Keep the channels of communication open. If family members know how someone is feeling it becomes easier to help them. Don’t just guess – ask. And don’t put off discussing issues which seem too hard.

Make sure you choose an appropriate time and have the conversation take place in an environment in which you’re both comfortable. Keep things positive where possible. Ask the injured family member what they need, and explain to them the impact which the situation is having on you. Together you can work out how to deal with any problems. 

Children of workers with an injury may find it difficult to deal with their parent’s withdrawal, if that occurs.  Encourage open conversations with the children about what has occurred, what they can do to assist, and what is expected to occur.  

A counsellor can help the family and injured worker to gain acceptance of the injury, and can help with gaining an understanding of the impact of the injury on your relationship. Counselling may be available through the workers’ compensation system. If the injured family member checks with their treating practitioner or claims agent, they’ll be able to find out if such treatment would be covered. The treating practitioner can also give you referrals if needed.

Family members may need to take some time out. They should be made aware that a variety of support is available. The claims agent or treating doctor may be able to help to identify these.

Financial issues are another common cause of stress post-injury. Plan early and work out how debts can be managed. Talk to the bank of necessary. Financial counsellors can provide assistance if the problem becomes significant.

Keep the focus on what the injured family member can do, and offer help only when needed. It may take longer than before for the tasks to be completed, but it’s important to their recovery and sense of self. Where possible, the injured family member should continue to take part in their previous activities.