Caregivers Defined

When a service member is injured

When a service member becomes wounded, ill, or injured—hopefully—someone provides support. 

That support person might be a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a partner, a child, or anyone who cares for the service-member during the hours that they are not being cared for by medical professionals.  We call these individuals military or Veteran caregivers.

Military vs Veteran Caregivers

A military caregiver supports an active-duty service member.

A Veteran caregiver supports a Veteran (they have been issued a DD-214)

Add the Title of Caregiver

After the service member’s injury, those things that used to define relationships – wife, mother, brother, daughter, partner – now include the title of caregiver, and family now becomes caregiving family—caregiving affects everyone in the home.

During the transition to a caregiving family, everyone adjusts from what-was to what-is.   

The Importance of Community

Without the support of friends, family, employers, and the community, friendships, goals, careers, and dreams can be lost.