title: Traumatic brain injury: unmet support needs of caregivers and families in Florida.
abstract: Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury results in familial strain due to the significant impact the injury has upon the role and function of individuals and their families at home and in the community. Using the Stress Process Model of Caregiving, a caregiver needs assessment survey was developed and conducted to better understand the needs of individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury and their caregivers. Survey results indicate that caregivers experience many challenges including unmet needs in areas of relational supports such as maintaining relationships, long-term emotional and financial support for themselves and the survivor, and the need for a patient or caregiver advocate. Implications for future practice are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America ; Brain Injury Association of Florida, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dillahunt-Aspillaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America.
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jorgensen-Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ehlke
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sosinski
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America ; WellFlorida Council, Inc., Gainesville, Florida, United States of America.
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Monroe
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires