How It Works
Who
When you’re caring for an injured service member or veteran – whether their injuries are physical or psychological – every day can be a challenge. Learning to live with post-traumatic stress, a traumatic brain injury, or a physical disability is a journey – both for those who have been injured and the loved ones who take care of them.
Caregivers typically don’t have a chance to prepare for these changes. They are thrown into a “new normal,” facing problems they never imagined. In response, they do what needs to be done, regardless of how it might affect their own health and well-being.
(Don’t think you qualify as a “caregiver”? Take our quiz to find out.)
Research shows that quality of life decreases rapidly for family members who become caregivers. But there are ways to reverse this trend. Research also shows that training caregivers and equipping them with better problem-solving skills can reduce depression and health complaints while increasing life satisfaction.
That’s where we come in
Operation Family Caregiver provides free and confidential support to the families of those who have served our nation.
What
Our specially-trained coaches help the families of returning service members and veterans find strength through their journey so they feel fully capable of living their best lives, regardless of what life throws at them. Coaching is available in both English and Spanish.
Together, caregivers and their coaches develop strategies that can help them get through the tough times and make plans for how to manage over the long term. They develop new skills that make the difficult decisions they face feel more manageable and achievable. These changes build confidence and empower caregivers to make decisions that lead to improvements in their own lives and the lives of their families.
Problem-solving training proves to be consistently helpful in teaching caregivers how to stop reacting to challenges and begin addressing situations more effectively. Caregivers who complete the OFC program feel more confident in their ability to manage day-to-day challenges, resulting in enhanced satisfaction with life.
Where
We are headquartered in Americus, Georgia, on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University, former first Lady Rosalynn Carter’s alma mater. But Operation Family Caregiver is available to all caregivers, no matter where you live. OFC coaches meet virtually with military caregivers all across the country.
Most coaches and caregivers meet using video conferencing or phone calls. In-person meetings are available with coaches located in select cities around the country.
When
Our coaches create a custom 8-session program unique to each family, flexible enough to accommodate even the busiest of schedules.
Why
At Operation Family Caregiver, we believe our nation’s heroes deserve to have access to programs that work. Numerous studies report success in providing problem-solving training to caregivers of those with traumatic brain injury, as well as caregivers of people with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and physical disabilities.
Our pilot program in 2011, which lasted 18 months, reported similarly positive results: reduced caregiver depression and burden, increased satisfaction with life, and fewer health complaints.
Think Operation Family Caregiver might be right for you, or someone you know? Complete our referral form to get started and talk to a representative.
