Military Caregivers Can Get Help from Military One Source

2022-04-18T11:01:38-04:00

When my husband was at the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton everything was a bit overwhelming. I was helping my husband navigate his care and his medical retirement on top of being a mom to our young son. I was also trying to finish my bachelor's degree. It seemed like every day there were new treatments, medications, and medical appointments to keep my husband going. I had completely dedicated my time to his and our son’s care while completing my course work at night after everyone was in bed. I was not prepared for the burn out I was about to experience. I was not sleeping well, eating well, or doing well.

Sometimes in the early stages of caregiving you take on a superhero effort and think you can do it all. You try really hard to be everything to everyone. You think you can manage all the appointments, care needs, meals, medications, laundry, driving, coordinating, dishes, finances, medical documentation, scheduling, communicating, cooking, cleaning, homework, housework, work, relationships, parenting, tests, treatments, therapies, groups, meetings, surveys, projects, etc.

Somewhere in the mix of all of this it was suggested I call Military One Source. I remember calling a 1800 number not exactly sure what to expect. The morning I called, I was met with kindness and empathy for all that I was going through. The person on the other end of the phone wanted to be sure I knew about resources that could help me. The first thing I wanted was a counselor I could talk to about everything that was going on. I wanted to see someone off base in my community. From this first call, I was able to set that in motion. They verified my eligibility and asked about the type of provider I was looking for. After this, Military One Source found a local provider for me to meet with the following week. It was easier than I thought it would be to get set up. My provider was well versed in military culture and was able to help me navigate my new role as a caregiver.

Over the years I have shared Military One Source with many other caregivers. They are most helpful while your care recipient is still active duty but help through transition and every after service there are some resources to support your caregiver journey. Military One Source’s Keeping It All Together notebook is a wonderful tool to stay organized while caring for your service member or veteran. It offers practical suggestions and other resources that can make a difference for your experience. The Military One Source website is full of useful information about being a military or veteran caregiver. There are flyers, webinars, other military, and veteran resources available through the Warrior Care Caregiver Resource Directory.

I am grateful that Military One Source was there for me in the early part of my caregiver journey. The resources and support continue to grow, and I hope military caregivers take advantage of this important service. You can reach them by calling [login to see] or visit https://rly.pt/3KVQLvY

Military Caregiver Support Resources • Military OneSource

Military OneSource supports military caregivers of a loved one with special needs or a life-changing injury. Access resources, programs, counseling and more.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 18 at 2022 11:08 AM

2022-04-18T11:08:19-04:00

Excellent post Melissa Comeau I wish more caregivers would take advantage of opportunities while their loved one is on active duty. Once separated or retired, look to the VA for assistance.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 18 at 2022 12:57 PM

2022-04-18T12:57:12-04:00

This is the definition of selfless service, Melissa Comeau. Being in a military family, it's easy to get caught up in the "I got this" attitude...it's all we know. So glad you were able to get the support you needed and deserved. Thanks for sharing your story.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 18 at 2022 2:51 PM

2022-04-18T14:51:06-04:00

Thank you Ma'am we need to spread the word on this!

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Apr 19 at 2022 11:27 AM

2022-04-19T11:27:15-04:00

Admitting followed by asking for help is not only the first step but generally the hardest step as well. I am very glad you were able to get the help you needed to continue on caregiver. We all need help mentally at some point in our life. It took me years to ask for help even though I knew I needed it. Thanks for the story, information and the share.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 30 at 2022 1:02 PM

2022-04-30T13:02:33-04:00

The military should create an SOP to paint the picture of the integration of the MEB, Hospitals, PEBLO, VA, Social Security, and how commanders deal with MEB SMs. When I went through the MEB, the whole process was confusing as hell.