Today is Veterans Day. As the Daughter of a Veteran who served in the Korean War, and as a Medical Social Worker, I understand the challenges and complex issues caregivers of Veterans face.
Veteran sacrifices their bodies and their lives to protect our freedoms. ⠀
There are many faces of caregivers who support our Veterans. The caregiver of a Veteran can be an older adult taking care of their unmarried child returning home from service as a disabled veteran.⠀
A caregiver of a Veteran could be a spouse who is learning how to care for a Veteran returning with unseen disabilities like post-traumatic stress disorder⠀
A caregiver of a Veteran may be taken care of the children of a Veteran who is actively serving in the military.⠀
Caregivers of veterans are increasingly overwhelmed mentally, emotionally, physically and financially with the multitude of responsibilities providing care.⠀
We must remember and support the caregiver of veterans. ⠀You can start my asking the caregivers of a Veteran how you can help them. That show of concern speak voulmes.
The families of Veterans also make multiple sacrifices seen and unseen. We must remember and support them also. ⠀
If you are the caregiver of a veteran caring for yourself is the best thing you can do to help support your loved one.⠀
Practicing mindfulness can help you find calm as you care for the Veteran in your life. ⠀
Taking time just a few minutes a day to relax can help restore you.⠀
Listening to a guided meditation such as https://www.calm.com while taking a walk or before sleep can help restore balance.
While we honor our Veterans today, let’s remember the caregivers who support them.
