A summary of ThanksUSA's monthly 'Around the Table' discussion series
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With most of us still reeling from the effects of a global pandemic, ThanksUSA asked military caregivers to sit 'Around the Table' and share the particular challenges they face. Led by ThanksUSA scholar, caregiver, Elizabeth Dole fellow, and Blue Star Families Chapter Lead Dr. Geri Maples, the conversation this month was subdued and sobering.
The Common Needs
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“Caregiving is a shared experience that we all find ourselves in and we’re trying to navigate through. So let me tell you: I UNDERSTAND YOU.” Understanding and empathy were just a few of the needs these caregivers universally have. There was also a great longing for support, resources and education.
As a Navy spouse shared, “There are so many times that I feel stuck because the communication between entities is so slow and labored. Getting (my husband) the care he needs feels impossible.”
There was also a great need for connection. Geri shared from her experiences that, “having connections and sharing a commonality with others is so important as we go on our caregiver journey.”
The Experiences
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Each caregiver path is unique, but common challenges include knowing and understanding the systems of support offered by Tricare, the VA, and other entities such as non-profits. An Army spouse said, “There is a lot of programming, but it sometimes feels like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be so overwhelming.”
Geri said that the role of caregivers as teachers is vital to assuring our service members are cared for. “When you separate from the military, there’s all sorts of resources sort of raining down on you and you’re not sure which ones to pick or grab as they fall from the sky. That’s why conversations like these – with fellow caregivers – are so important. We can help each other know the best path to take.”
An Air Force spouse shared how she keeps a journal of all the resources she is offered, finds, or hears about. “That way I can be a helper to other spouses like myself. I write them all down – even if I don’t need them – because I know I’m going to meet someone who will.”
The Solutions
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Military caregivers are often referred to as Hidden Heroes, and we couldn’t agree more. As one Air Force spouse proudly shared, “My husband calls me his hero!”
ThanksUSA was born from the desire to support caregivers, and we continue this through our Pathways for Patriots program. “I try to advocate for my spouse, my soldier, my hero the best that I can,” said an Army spouse. “I am his moving, walking mouthpiece to say the things that he can’t say. At the end of the day, his care is important.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With most of us still reeling from the effects of a global pandemic, ThanksUSA asked military caregivers to sit 'Around the Table' and share the particular challenges they face. Led by ThanksUSA scholar, caregiver, Elizabeth Dole fellow, and Blue Star Families Chapter Lead Dr. Geri Maples, the conversation this month was subdued and sobering.
The Common Needs
--------------------------
“Caregiving is a shared experience that we all find ourselves in and we’re trying to navigate through. So let me tell you: I UNDERSTAND YOU.” Understanding and empathy were just a few of the needs these caregivers universally have. There was also a great longing for support, resources and education.
As a Navy spouse shared, “There are so many times that I feel stuck because the communication between entities is so slow and labored. Getting (my husband) the care he needs feels impossible.”
There was also a great need for connection. Geri shared from her experiences that, “having connections and sharing a commonality with others is so important as we go on our caregiver journey.”
The Experiences
--------------------------
Each caregiver path is unique, but common challenges include knowing and understanding the systems of support offered by Tricare, the VA, and other entities such as non-profits. An Army spouse said, “There is a lot of programming, but it sometimes feels like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be so overwhelming.”
Geri said that the role of caregivers as teachers is vital to assuring our service members are cared for. “When you separate from the military, there’s all sorts of resources sort of raining down on you and you’re not sure which ones to pick or grab as they fall from the sky. That’s why conversations like these – with fellow caregivers – are so important. We can help each other know the best path to take.”
An Air Force spouse shared how she keeps a journal of all the resources she is offered, finds, or hears about. “That way I can be a helper to other spouses like myself. I write them all down – even if I don’t need them – because I know I’m going to meet someone who will.”
The Solutions
--------------------------
Military caregivers are often referred to as Hidden Heroes, and we couldn’t agree more. As one Air Force spouse proudly shared, “My husband calls me his hero!”
ThanksUSA was born from the desire to support caregivers, and we continue this through our Pathways for Patriots program. “I try to advocate for my spouse, my soldier, my hero the best that I can,” said an Army spouse. “I am his moving, walking mouthpiece to say the things that he can’t say. At the end of the day, his care is important.”
