May is Month of the Military Caregiver. But what is a military caregiver?
According to Rand Corporation, a military caregiver is a family member, friend, or acquaintance who provides care and assistance for, or who manages the care of, a current or former military service member. They help with a wide range of both physical and mental illnesses and injuries.
In the United States, there are nearly 6 million caregivers providing care for someone who currently or previously served in the military. Military caregivers perform a wide variety of tasks—from dressing and bathing their loved ones to helping them cope with emotional difficulties.
Here is what is NOT so widely known:
- All caregivers are adversely affected by their duties.
- Caregivers are four times more likely than non-caregivers to be depressed.
- They are also susceptible to other negative health outcomes, low productivity and problems at work, relationship distress, and increased financial difficulty.
- There is an overall lack of respite care programs to provide caregivers temporary relief from their duties.
According to a US News report, the economic value of the care of post-9/11 caregivers is estimated at $14 million. Military caregivers miss an average of 3.5 days of work per month. When you add on the increased risk of depression and other burdens, you can see the cost if adequate support and assistance is not provided to military caregivers.
At the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals, we understand how difficult it is to ask for help when you are the one providing support. In fact, it’s known that caregivers often do NOT self-identify. However, it is important to do so, and to find out what resources are available to help caregivers.
Please also look out for these signs that might indicate a military caregiver is in need of additional support:
- Unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive alcohol, unhealthy eating or risky behaviors;
- Feeling low energy or physical and emotional exhaustion;
- Becoming easily angry or irritated; and/or
- Intrusive worries and anxiety interfering with sleep.
Also, check out a report by the Cohen Veterans Network on WHY we support and empower military caregivers and why we encourage them to come out of the shadows and practice self-care.
The Cohen Clinic at Easterseals has been providing behavioral health support to military caregivers for over several years. If you need our help, please call our office to schedule an appointment at 240-847-7500.
As always – Stay Healthy, Stay Safe!
