When you are the caregiver of a loved one with special needs or a life-changing illness or injury, each day can bring new questions and new situations. So, it’s important that you have access to the resources and support you need — not only for your loved one, but also for you.
Your first stop in seeking assistance is your installation Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, Family Support staff. Family support staff can point you in the right direction of local services you may require as well as walk you through the resources available to you at your installation.
Military OneSource can assist you in connecting with EFMP Family Support staff and offers many caregiver support resources tailored to your specific needs. You can find support services, consultations, confidential non-medical counseling and access to a variety of helpful products:
- A special needs consultant can be accessed through Military OneSource special needs consultants. Consultants are available by phone or video to help you navigate the daily medical and educational needs of your family member or loved one, and connect you with military and community-based support. You can schedule appointments 24/7 by live chat or calling 800-342-9647.
- Non-medical counseling – Being a caregiver is hard work. If you are feeling stressed, you can talk with someone who can support you as you navigate the difficulties of caregiving.
- Get short-term, confidential counseling services face-to-face, by telephone, secure live video session or online chat. Call 800-342-9647 or click Non-medical Counseling to find out more.
- See these tips on how to take care of yourself when you are a caregiver.
- Peer support – The person who best understands a caregiver has been one. Get and stay connected with other caregivers like you.
- Attend monthly PEER forums, sponsored by the Department of Defense, on or near a military installation. If you don’t live near an installation, register for a virtual forum on your computer, phone or mobile device.
- Connect with other caregivers or look for inspiration on the Blog Brigade.
- Financial counseling – Caring for a loved one may deliver unexpected costs. Save yourself time, energy and worry by having a spending plan that leaves room for the unexpected. Military OneSource offers financial counseling in person, by phone or via video chat. Call 800-342-9647 or click financial counseling.
- Health and wellness – It can be easy to forget about your own needs when caring for a loved one, but it’s important to take care of your own health. Free, confidential health and wellness coaching is available via phone, online chat or video session. Call 800-342-9647 or click health to find out more.
- Products and downloads – On Military OneSource, you’ll find many helpful booklets, CDs, DVDs and articles that you can have shipped to your door for free. You’ll also find useful downloads including:
- The Keeping It All Together notebook to organize your wounded warrior’s treatment and recovery plans in one place.
- Adult, child and elder care toolkits from the Special Care Organizational Record for an easy way to track progress and medical information.
Being a caregiver is one of the most important roles you can take on, but you don’t have to do it alone. Use caregiver support from Military OneSource to help lighten your load and take better care of yourself.
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