Recovery during Coronavirus

[Hetty56]

Sam went back to work following his TBI (two years ago) far too quickly - his employers didn’t seem to appreciate the full implications of head injury and Sam was desperately keen to get back. Big mistake though and after he’d returned he was pushed to do full time and I don’t think he’s ever had the chance to take a breath and recover

He’s working from home at the moment with a chance he’ll be furloughed within the next couple of weeks. He’s working hard but the isolation gets him down as it does all of us. He also still suffers with sleep issues and fatigue etc

I’m beginning to think, however, that this time could be put to use by learning the relaxation techniques, mindfulness, the 20 minute rest (thanks StaceM8!) without the pressure that he’s going to be too tired for work.

Could this be a time to take a step back and help his body cope with recovery?

Heather x

[Pairofboots]

Firstly, his employer should have consulted with an occupational health specialist to reintroduce Sam to work, a phased return and reasonable adjustments made.

Being furloughed may work in his favour as he will get a better package than sick pay.

Even if Sam was chomping at the bit to return to work, his employer had and still has a duty of care to Sam. His certificate of being fit to return to work should have stated what adjustments should be made. If he hasn't been signed as fit for work, then his employer has breached his duty.

[Hetty56 in reply to Pairofboots]

He was given a phased return but it seemed to be speeded up. His accident was in the middle of January, he was discharged at the beginning of March and returned to work in April albeit part time. He was back there full time within 2-3 months. Before he returned to work he felt well enough to do so but as soon as he started back he realised that he wasn’t well at all. Unfortunately he didn’t feel then that he could take further sick leave. I really feel that he should have had at least 6 months before even thinking of a phased return.

The time for recriminations has now passed though and it’s a question of dealing with the here and now. This is why I wondered if it isn’t too late to step down and take the time out he should have had. His recovery is remarkable but there are still gaps and probably will be for a while.

Employers don’t always understand a brain injury as I’m sure a lot of people know. If it was a broken leg it would be pretty obvious - and a lot quicker to heal generally

Hx

[Pairofboots in reply to Hetty56]

No it is not too late, speak to the specialist or your GP and explain the difficulties. That is a very quick return to work following any brain injury.

I originally thought it would be a couple of weeks, then a couple of months, unfortunately it turned out to never to be.

Although everything in myself said I was ok, the option was taken out of my hands, and with hindsight it was the right decision.

It doesn't stop me missing my old job, and I know that my knowledge and skills haven't been lost, but I know I have limits.

I was a nurse specialist, and did think at the time how uncaring the caring profession was. That was nine years ago now.

[sealiphone in reply to Hetty56]

The duty of care that a employer has does not have a time limit but you are right most employers are fumbling in the dark and often the person with a TBI are unable to be able to rationalise what's going wrong.

This is why the support of a qualified ABI OT can be the difference between succeed or fail, so I do wonder if Sam is one of the many people who fall through the cracks in our support mechanisms for people with a TBI.

At one time I would have said involving Access To Work (ATW) is the best alternative options and whilst this may still be the best approach, if he's not in the ABI support system already.

However my understanding is that Gov. performance indicators has reduced the effectiveness of (ATW) this once fantastic service, well that's a surprise.

gov.uk/access-to-work

Your local Job Center will have a Disability Employment Adviser, again it used to be a fantastic service and a route into ATW, but now I'm suspecting it's less impressive.