ABSTRACT
Clinical and research observations indicate that family support and education by professionals are integral for patients' and the family systems' optimal recovery and outcome after moderate to severe acquired brain injuries. One beneficial tool to explore the family's context and perspective is the Family Experiential Model of Recovery (FEM), which is comprised of actual verbalisations by family members grappling with the after-effects of brain injuries in a loved one. Psychoeducation on the specific implications of the brain injury across the spectrum of possible sequelae and minimising fragmented or deficient care are crucial to improving the family's quality of life. Mechanisms to foster psychoeducation include: a hospital registry to identify potential family education candidates; use of case managers to investigate relevant resources; skills workshops, online resources, and other social support networks, including social media; and brain injury rehabilitation. This chapter highlights the saliency of incorporating family members in the neurorehabilitation process after a loved one sustains a brain injury.
