The needs of family and friends as caregivers of individuals with a spinal cord injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has severe and devastating physical and emotional consequences on the injured individuals, as well as their families and friends. Consideration of several secondary conditions associated with SCI is central to establishing and maintaining the biopsychosocial wellbeing of individuals with a SCI. Owing to the complex nature of a SCI and the consequences it has on different bodily functions, people with a SCI would benefit form a structured care plan that is delivered by family members to prevent medical complications because of the injury. It is important that there is a continuity of effective and evidence based care, and, as such, it is imperative that family members are trained in how to address issues of maintaining wellbeing and health promotion following a SCI. This should ensure the safe and effective care of the person with the SCI in the home and community environment following their discharge from the SCI rehabilitation centre, and should help to enable their integration back into the community, such as returning to education or employment.