YOU SERVE
Caring family members perform acts of heroism everyday.
Young spouses and aging parents are taking care of America’s wounded warriors – in many cases, at the expense of their own health and well-being. Others returning from war don’t have traditional family members who can help, and they lean heavily on friends and battle buddies.
Caring for a returning service member, whatever their injuries, is a huge job. Whether you are managing prescriptions and doctor’s appointments, or bathing, dressing, and feeding someone who can no longer do these things himself, it does not come with an instruction manual. And often, it does not come with a thank you.
Maybe you simply do what needs to be done because you’re the only one who can do it. You may not think of yourself as a “caregiver.” Think again.
“The knock at the door…there’s the fear of it being someone in a uniform to give you the worst news a military spouse could get, or a utility company handing you a piece of paper then shutting off your electricity. In a flash, it’s a slap in the face; you have failed being Wonder Woman for your family…”
Jamie, Pennsylvania
ASK FOR HELP
Taking all of this on can be a burden, and it can be hard to ask for help. Some people want to maintain their privacy; others are embarassed to admit they are overwhelmed. Or maybe they are just too busy to take care of anything but their family’s most basic needs.
Government and community organizations offer many services for returning service members and veterans, but they focus mostly on meeting today’s urgent and pressing needs – for food, shelter, or work.
Operation Family Caregiver helps families all over the country lay a strong foundation so they can meet their own needs over the long term. Learn how.
CAREGIVER PROFILES
Meet Nikki
Meet Nikki
She found the strength to support her husband and her family.
Meet Gina
Meet Gina
For years she has taken care of her husband and her family. Now she’s finally taking care of herself.
Meet Kristin
Meet Kristin
She saw a glimpse of the man Matt used to be, before he was injured in Iraq. Now she struggles as his caregiver.
Meet Ashley
Meet Ashley
How an Army wife balances caring for her husband, who struggles with PTSD, and a daughter with special needs.
Meet Breanna
Meet Breanna
She is a strong woman who fell in love with a Marine. After his injury, she became a caregiver to her husband.
Meet Amber
Meet Amber
She married her childhood crush and had no idea he would be a stranger she had known forever.
Meet Krista
Meet Krista
She’s always sought a purpose, now she has a new one.
Meet Violet
Meet Violet
A wife, mother, and sister who finds strength in her faith and brings strength to her family.
Meet Danielle
Meet Danielle
She answered an online dating request and soon found herself a caregiver.
Meet Dee
Meet Dee
She took care of everyone — her children, her husband, her friend — until, finally, she decided to take care of herself.
