Helpful help after an accident or injury 

When someone in your crew is recovering from an accident or injury, the instinct to help is immediate. That instinct is kind and we think it’s wonderful. But help that hasn’t been thought all the way through can sometimes create more work for someone, not less. 

Before you offer, think about what they can and can’t do physically right now. Because half finished help can be just as frustrating as no help at all. 

Think it through to the end 

• If you put a load of washing on, can they hang it out? 

• Are there jars they can’t twist open in the groceries you’re dropping off? 

• Taking out the bins? Amazing. Likelihood is they’ll also need help bringing them back in 

• Dropping off meals? Wonderful! Make sure it’s in a container they can open, lift and reheat on their own 

• If you offer a lift somewhere, think about whether they can get in and out of the car easily and the accessibility of where you’re going 

The question to ask yourself before you help is: can they finish what I’m starting? If the answer is no, adjust the help. 

Ask before you assume 

Different injuries affect different things. A shoulder injury is not the same as a knee injury. A concussion is not the same as a broken leg. Before you decide what kind of help to offer, ask what’s difficult for them right now. 

A simple “what are the things you’re struggling to do at the moment?” will help you help in a way that’s… helpful! 

Be consistent 

Recovery from a serious accident can take weeks, months, or sometimes longer. The help that makes a real difference is consistent. It doesn’t die down after the initial shock wears off. It keeps showing up for as long as it’s needed. 

Small, specific, thought all the way through. That’s what makes the difference.