Resources
The Family Care Checklist: Navigating Long-Term Brain Injury
Your roadmap to confident decisions and compassionate support.
Families navigating long-term care after a brain injury face emotional, medical, and logistical challenges. This checklist—developed by The Jimmy Simpson Foundation—helps you plan thoughtfully, ask the right questions, and find peace of mind in the journey ahead.
Clarify Your Loved One’s Needs
01
Determine the level of care required:
- Do they need 24-hour supervision?
- Are they ventilator-dependent?
- What therapies or support services are essential?
Consult with physicians, case managers, and specialists to assess both current and future needs.
Understand Care Options
02
Research local facilities and programs specializing in brain injury care. Consider:
- Safehaven for long-term, medically complex residential care
- In-home nursing or outpatient rehab
- Support group resources like Carol’s Light
Visit & Evaluate Facilities
03
When possible, schedule in-person tours or virtual walkthroughs. Ask:
- What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
- How are care plans created and reviewed?
- Can families stay involved in daily decisions?
Ask About Funding & Coverage
04
Don’t assume you’re on your own. Explore:
- Medicaid waivers or long-term care insurance
- SSI/SSDI and veteran benefits
- Foundation grants or local advocacy funds
Our team can help guide you through the financial puzzle.
Get Organized
05
Create a centralized folder for:
- Medical records
- Legal documents (POA, advance directives)
- Notes from care meetings Having this information readily available eases transitions and empowers your role as advocate.
involve the Whole Family
06
Hold honest, supportive conversations with family members. Assign responsibilities and plan for respite care to avoid burnout. Caregiving is a shared journey.
Stay Connected to Community
07
Join support groups, attend workshops, and lean on your community. Staying informed and connected makes a lasting difference—for you and your loved one.
We're Here to Help
The Jimmy Simpson Foundation offers guidance, residential care, and caregiver support to help families like yours find strength in the journey.
Rock Spring, GA
