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Don’t Forget the Family of the Injured Worker

30 Jul, 2025 Anne Llewellyn

                               
Case Management Focus

When a worker is injured on the job, the ripple effects extend far beyond the individual — families become an essential part of the recovery journey. In this post, I aim to share key areas that nurse case managers can consider when working with an injured worker. Doing so helps the patient heal, feel supported, and recognized in the sea of confusion and uncertainty. Nurse case managers can be a lifeline not just for the injured worker, but for their entire Family. Here are some of the areas to consider: 

Emotional & Practical Support

  • Caregiving duties: Spouses or children may take on tasks such as helping the injured worker with activities of daily living, managing medications, and supporting them when in pain. 
  • Household responsibilities: Injured workers may be unable to perform household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or caring for children, which can shift those duties to family members. Helping them understand that it is okay to ask for help from neighbors and others who want to assist, and providing resources to ease the burden, is essential. 
  • Emotional resilience: Families often provide encouragement and help the injured worker cope with frustration, depression, or anxiety. Keeping them informed about what is happening allows them to see the big picture and anticipate needs. 

Financial Impact

  • Income loss: Workers’ comp typically covers only a portion of lost wages, which can strain household budgets. 
  • Increased expenses: Families may face costs for transportation, home modifications, or unpaid caregiving time. 
  • Role reversal: In single-parent households, children may even take on caregiving roles. 

Advocacy & Communication

  • Navigating the system: Family members often help with paperwork, attend medical appointments, and communicate with insurance or legal representatives.
  • Legal support: In complex cases, families may need assistance in hiring attorneys or gathering documentation to support their claims. Keeping the Family informed and proactively addressing issues before they become conflicts can help avoid attorney involvement. 

Collaboration in Recovery

  • Health decisions: Engaged families can improve outcomes by participating in care planning and rehabilitation. 
  • Return-to-work planning: Families can help coordinate logistics or provide emotional support during the reintegration process.

Psychological Effects

  • Children’s well-being: Studies show workplace injuries can affect kids’ mental health and academic performance. Organizations like Kids' Chance support children of injured workers with assistance for school and other needs. Keep these in mind for families in need.  
  • Relationship strain: Shifts in family dynamics, financial stress, and caregiving burdens can lead to tension or even marital breakdowns. Be on the lookout for this and provide resources that can help all parties. 
  • Don't forget about the Family. Families aren’t just bystanders — they are part of the team in supporting the injured worker. 

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    About The Author

    • Anne Llewellyn

      Anne Llewellyn is a registered nurse with over forty years of experience in critical care, risk management, case management, patient advocacy, healthcare publications and training and development. Anne has been a leader in the area of Patient Advocacy since 2010. She was a Founding member of the Patient Advocate Certification Board and is currently serving on the National Association of Health Care Advocacy. Anne writes a weekly Blog, Nurse Advocate to share stories and events that will educate and empower people be better prepared when they enter the healthcare system.

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