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Caregivers
Recovery following a brain injury is a unique experience for each survivor. For many it is the beginning of a lifelong journey through understanding and acceptance of change. Family members, who often serve as caregivers and assume supportive roles, embark on a similar journey—and few are prepared for or expecting to take on such a role. Family members or spouses find themselves suddenly thrown into the caregiving role, while at the same time they are experiencing loss and grief.

Here at the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa, we understand the value that Caregivers bring to the lives of individuals impacted by brain injury. We provide free statewide and ongoing Family & Caregiver Workshops to help provide relevant information and resources that Caregivers can take back to their every day lives. These workshops are a great place to meet other individuals impacted by brain injury and learn from one another, all while connecting with supports and services in your own community. To see a listing of our upcoming Events and Workshop, click HERE.

Family and Self-Advocacy

Navigating the complicated medical, social, financial, and legal systems—all while considering individual lifestyles, relationships, and preferences—can be a tremendous challenge after brain injury.

The fast pace of society doesn’t allow very often for others to take the time to evaluate what questions we might have. It takes practice, and it is a skill to learn how to advocate for you and for someone else.

There is an art to building relationships and partnerships, as opposed to making demands. To understand what advocacy is, you must identify what your needs are, communicate needs effectively with others, and then find the resources to meet those needs. The Brain Injury of Alliance can be a key partner in making those connections.

Caregiver Websites

Caregiver Webinars

In-Person Support Groups

  • Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa
  • Iowa Department of Aging – for aging Iowans (60+) and Iowans with disabilities
  • Contact local hospitals
  • Contact disability-specific providers (e.g., a Speech and Language Pathologist for Aphasia support groups)
  • Contact local hospice organizations
    • Often have groups to support caregivers at any point in their caregiving journey

Phone-Based Support

  • Caregiver Action Network
    • Call: 855-227-3640
    • Available: 7:00A-6:00P

Online Support Groups

  • Many different types available on Facebook

Crisis Lines

  • Call 911 immediately if individual is a danger to self and/or others, as evidenced by any of the following:
    • Communicates intent to harm
    • Communicates plan to harm
    • Has the means/access to harm
  • Veterans Crisis Line
    • Available: 24/7/365
    • Call: 800-273-8255, press 1
    • Text: 838255
    • Chat online: veteranscrisisline.net
    • TTY: 800-799-4889
  • Iowa Help Line
    • Call: 855-800-1239
      • Available: 24/7/365
    • Text: 855-800-1239
      • Available: 24/7/365
    • Chat online: iowahelpline.org
      • Available: 12P-2A
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
    • Available: 24/7/365
    • Call: 800-950-6264
    • Text “NAMI” at 741741
  • Mobile Crisis Outreach – trained staff respond to wherever the crisis is occurring
    • Available in following counties: Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Cedar, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn
    • Available: 24/7/365
    • Call: 844-258-8858

Contact Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa for county-specific resources

Additional Caregiver Resources