Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

Topics: Caregiver-Caregiving Support for Veterans

I am grateful for the veterans in my world. My father(Army), husband(ARMY), son(Army), cousin(National Guard),and cousin(Marines). I cannot say I understand the experiences of our armed forces. I never was drafted nor, did I enlist. I value my freedoms and am very grateful to those who protected me and others. I do understand war and peace. I understand the importance of military training and long-term deployments. I understand the word ‘sacrifice’ and the threat of wartime, physical dismemberment, and mental destruction. And I understand that family members are entangled in military life, and they eventually do most care support for veterans. It has been said that families serve, as well; still, from a different lens. The caregiver-caregiving experiences are often more challenging based on the severity of the service person’s need. The ask is known~Support! Provide! Listen! Act!

On the return from service into society, the veteran, man, or woman, who have cared for other citizens in various countries, continue to need ongoing support. Caregivers play a pivotal role in helping veterans find their new norm. There are many ways to find help, starting with the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency prepared to support disabled veterans and veterans with hidden but real needs. As we know, not all circumstances are visual. Regardless of the reason veterans need caregiving, the focus is the same. Empathy, guidance, structure, a listening ear, and a country that eases the realities of the military challenges to help our veterans are fundamental. While we understand the care needed for veterans, we must also realize that caregivers need assistance. Consider reaching out to Veterans Administration Caregiver Support Program at visit www.caregiver.va.gov. As Your Proactive Caregiver, remember that the world, or the people therein, are not mind-readers. Communicate your needs out loud to family, friends, and organizations that can lead, guide, and assist. Caregivers play an essential role in the health and well-being of veterans. As caregivers of veterans, you make enormous sacrifices to care for our Nation’s heroes. We thank you! Be safe! Be well! Bye for now.