Military Connection: Adjusting to the “New Normal”

By Debbie Gregory.

A program that aims to is showing signs of success. Johnson & Johnson, which has supported the Rosalynn Carter Institute’s (RCI) caregiving programs for many years, will support the program’s expansion to three new sites this year.

Operation Family Caregiver (OFC), the Rosalynn Carter Institute’s (RCI) signature military caregiver program, will be expanding, thanks to the generous support of Johnson & Johnson.

The program, which assists the caregivers of returning service members and veterans, provides one-on-one support and training for caregivers for service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and/or physical disability.

Coming home can be hard, for both service members and their families. The transition home is jarring and it requires a huge effort, by both those who have been injured and the loved ones who take care of them. Whether the injuries are physical or psychological, visible or invisible, service members must learn how to rely on loved ones for help.

Caregivers who have completed the program having experienced reduced depression, fewer health complaints, greater confidence in problem solving, and improved ability to take care of

Piloted in Johnstown, Pa., the program has rapidly expanded, with caregivers receiving in-person support in San Diego, CA.; Killeen, TX; Buffalo, NY; Houston, TX; Augusta, GA; and Tallahassee, FL.

Located in Americus, Ga., the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is a division of Georgia Southwestern State University. RCI was established in 1987 in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a GSW alumna who serves as president of the Institute’s Board of Advisors. RCI supports caregivers – both family and professional – through advocacy, education, research, and service. It establishes local, state, national, and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term, home and community-based services

Operation Family Caregiver helps the families of returning service members and veterans by teaching them the skills they need to better manage their challenges as they adjust to a “new normal.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their families. We are the go-to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go-to site.

Military Connection: Adjusting to the “New Normal”: by Debbie Gregory