Taking care of your family can be a challenge during the best of times. Doing it during hard times can feel nearly impossible. That’s especially the case if you have been injured in an accident.
Just because you have suffered an injury in an accident doesn’t mean the kids’ lunches suddenly don’t have to be made and the carpet no longer needs to be vacuumed. Everything you did for your family before still needs to be done, but it needs to be done differently if you need plenty of time to rest and heal.
It isn’t impossible! There are ways you can continue to care for your family as you take the time to care for yourself.
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Get Compensation for Costs Associated With Your Accident
One of the scariest things about getting injured is the possibility of losing income. If you lose your job, if you’re only getting paid a portion of your regular income on disability, or you can only work part-time, you’re probably worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
Getting compensated for the cost of treatment, therapy, and drugs can be extremely helpful. Hiring an attorney can really help if you think you are being treated unfairly.
There are other ways you can save too. Search for government programs that can provide your family with support coordination, either permanently or temporarily. You can also talk to your doctor about switching to a generic drug, or you can search for coupons that can be used at your local pharmacy to make the cost of some common drugs cheaper.
Create a New Routine
If you have kids, you understand the importance of routine. Unfortunately, the routine you had before the accident isn’t likely to work for you anymore. Although it will take some adjusting on the part of everyone in your family, you shouldn’t shy away from creating a new routine.
Whether you decide everyone has to get up earlier, one day a week is used for rest, or someone new has to pick them up from school, just make sure you’re open and honest with your kids about the changes and why they are being made. If they know the changes will help you heal, they will probably be more than happy to do it.
Focus on Caring for People—Not Stuff
If you were the type of person who liked to keep a spotless house before your accident, you’ll find that it’s impossible to do it now. Instead of stressing out about it and pushing yourself too hard to keep everything clean, try and embrace the mess.
When you have limited energy and strength, you shouldn’t be using it on vacuuming the floor or washing the bathroom when there are other people in your family who require your attention. It’s a much better use of your time to read your child a book or watch a movie with your spouse than it is to pick up the playroom.
Find Ways to Make Things More Convenient
Did you like cooking meals from scratch before your accident? Maybe you took pride in a perfectly manicured lawn? You’ll be able to get back to these types of hobbies someday, but in the meantime, find ways to make things more convenient in the short-term.
A few ideas include:
- Make cooking easier by purchasing pre-cut fruit and vegetables at the grocery store.
- Purchase and use a robotic vacuum cleaner to keep the floors clean.
- Hire a teen in the neighborhood to mow your lawn.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You may be used to doing certain things in the house yourself. It can be extremely difficult to suddenly realize you can no longer do those things without help. Although it may be hard, you should reach out to your family members and ask them to pitch in.
Ask your oldest child to take over the dishes after dinner or ask your spouse to do the laundry. You can also ask other family members to pitch in. Grandma can pick up the kids from school and your friend can stop by with dinner. Your friends and family will most likely be more than happy to help!
If you have been injured in an accident, you should take things slowly. Ask your friends and family to pitch in so you can take more time to care for yourself. If you do, you’ll find you can get back on your feet in no time!
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