Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks
Topic: Caregivers to our Veterans: Thank You!
Happy Veterans Day! It’s November 11, 2024. Today, we salute caregivers of all veterans. Care for veterans occurs in many locations: homes with family, veterans facilities, nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living arrangements. Family does not always provide care, and not all veterans have family active in their care. Caregivers who care for veterans sometimes have to experience outbursts of war wounds, mental health issues, and feelings of rejection from the country they once served.
So, on this day, while we celebrate, thank, and remember the soldiers who fought for our country and now need care, we must also thank the caregivers who selflessly do their best to provide care. Their sacrifice and stories matter as well. Caregivers of veteran family members can have different circumstances aligned with the needed care. Chronic health conditions can compound the scars of war. Caregivers experience the same insights, frustrations, highs, and lows.
Another challenge for the caregiver is when the veteran wants to hold back from talking about feelings and symptoms, making it difficult to determine their care needs. Exhaustion and wanting to give up are everyday realities, and some caregivers feel devalued and not appreciated. Understandable, right? Yes and No! Recognizing the veterans should always occur, but as a caregiver, meeting the veterans where they are and keeping them safe is the role of the caregiver. You are not invisible. Thank you for your service to the veterans, here, there, everywhere!
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, we need to thank veterans’ caregivers and remind them they are doing a great job and are valued beyond measure. Anyone who opens up their heart to be a caregiver must remember self-care. Caring for others starts by caring for oneself. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.
Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com
