Operation Family Caregiver Provides Coaching and Support to Those Caring for Injured Veterans

Caring for an injured Veteran or service member can be a challenge to say the least. Regardless of whether their injuries are physical, emotional, or psychological, learning to live with and help a loved one effectively manage their disability is a journey – for both the service member and the caregiver. Enter: Operation Family Caregiver (OFC).

Caregivers don’t always have the time needed to adequately prepare when a loved one returns from service with an injury or illness. In the end, many families simply dive into caretaking mode without the ability to take a step back and evaluate everyone’s needs (themselves included). When this happens, the quality of life for the entire family can decline.

Operation Family Caregiver coaches families of returning service members and Veterans as they take on the role of caregiver. This free, confidential support is provided by specially trained coaches who help families develop strategies to get through the immediate hurdles as well as plan for the future.

The beauty of Operation Family Caregiver is that the 8-session program is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each service member and their family. OFC headquarters is located at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in Americus, GA; however, most coaches and caregivers meet via video conference or phone call.

The term “caregiver,” as defined by OFC, describes anyone – family, friend, or professional – who regularly takes on any of the following tasks in support of an injured Veteran or service member:

Assist with normal activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, grooming, etc.
Support through periods of emotional distress.
Advocate for care and treatment.
Miss work for the sake of caretaking duties.
Manage legal and/or financial matters.
Arrange and coordinate professional services such as doctors’ appointments or physical therapy visits.