It is normal for all of us to respond with the belief that everything will resolve and return to the way that it was before the injury. In a way, we refuse to believe that it has really happened. Many patients and families don't want to hear what the future truly holds. Not accepting the consequences of the illness, but accepting appropriate treatment may be an effective initial response. However, if the person continues to deny the disability, this represents a pathological condition that requires psychological intervention.
Younger patients seem to do better than older ones.
There is a confounding factor here in that older patients are more likely to have medical complications. At first glance it would seem that an older patient would have better adaptation skills. It is a fact of life - those people with the financial resources have better access to medical care and the support services that they need. With adequate funds I can hire the help at home that I need. I won't lose my car or home.