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By Kristine Dwyer, Staff Writer
The health and emotional well-being of the veteran’s caregiver
also needs to be a priority. If not addressed,
caregiver fatigue, illness and impatience can
directly reflect on and impact the quality of care
that one is able to give. An important analogy can
be found in our airline industry. Just as the flight
attendant instructs passengers to use the oxygen
mask on themselves first and then assist the person
next to them, so must the caregiver follow the same
important instructions.
Caregivers who learn what help is available to
veterans and how to access that help will feel more
in control of a complex situation. Some ideas are:
Become educated about the veteran’s medical
condition, whether physical or emotional.
Learn to communicate with members of the health care
profession. Write down questions prior to
appointments and, if needed, have an additional
person attend appointments to gather important
information.
Keep good medical records and summaries of office
visits. Bring identification and health insurance
cards, plus names and doses of the veteran’s
medications to the appointments.
Learn the routines and points of access with the
medical facilities used by the veteran. This
includes office hours and how to reach health care
providers, schedule appointments and transportation.
Inquire about assistive technology devices and
utilize home care and skilled-care services.
Find out about benefits that are available through
the military and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additional Caregiver Keys Include:
Asking for help (it is a sign of strength)
Taking breaks to restore energy
Making one’s own health needs and medical
appointments a priority
Learning proper caregiving techniques such
as lifting, transferring, or wound care from
medical professionals at the VA or other medical
facilities
Connecting or reconnecting with a
faith-based community for support
Establishing a circle of support around the
family that includes professionals, relatives
and (military) friends who are able to share the
care and reduce stress
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