Family Adjustment

New SCI Survivors | Things To Know | Family Adjustment | FSCIRC New Injury Information Packet | Autonomic Dysreflexia

1. Loved ones grieve, too. Family members experience the same loss as the injured person.

2. You are not alone. Along with the 500 or so new injuries every year, there are family members going through the same feelings and circumstances as you, so join a support group, call the Resource Center, ask about the Mentor Program, and let the professionals at the Rehabilitation Center help you with your adjustment.

3. Don't be an enabler. It's a myth that people who have suffered SCI can't work, can't do for themselves, shouldn't be pushed to accomplish goals. Enabling leads to destructive behavior.

4. Don't forget the children. Children will generally ask questions and will adjust seamlessly if the questions are answered with care and honesty.

Your Most Important Resources Right Now

• The Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center.
• Your Rehabilitative Therapists, Physicians, and Psychologists.
• Other SCI Survivors. The Resource Center has a Peer Mentoring Program. Call and ask about it.

Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
Tampa General Rehabilitation Center
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1289, Room R212, Tampa, FL 33601
Physical Address: 2 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-844-4286 / 813-844-4287
Toll-Free: 800-995-8544
FAX: 813-844-4322
E-mail: info@flspinalcord.us

The Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center is sponsored through a grant with the Florida Department of Health, Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program. The contract is administered by the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology.