Posted by
Carol Roos, DCoE Public Affairs on November 13, 2015
Like service members do when they deploy, people who care for someone with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) take on new responsibility at a moment’s notice. And just like deployed service members, caregivers take on the responsibility without knowing what it may entail or what battles they may encounter.
Anyone can become a caregiver at any time. While helping a loved one in this way is often the right thing to do, it’s not easy and it comes with unexpected challenges. Some TBI patients receive professional care, but many rely on family members.
If you’re learning to take care of someone with TBI, here are some resources that may help you identify or answer questions, or alleviate some of your worries. Just know that every day is a new day, and each individual’s brain injury is different.
TBI Facts
Learn the basics of TBI from DVBIC.
DVBIC: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans will help you understand and answer questions about TBI, treatment, tests and what to expect.
DCoE Blog posts on TBI offer up-to-date and useful information on a variety of topics related to brain injury.
TBI Caregiving 101
TraumaticBrainInjuryAtoZ.org: The Caregivers Journey takes you through the journey and may help answer your questions. It gives you information on understanding a TBI and walks you through challenges you may face, including:
- Video sessions by a social worker that can help guide you through every step of the way
- Understanding how the brain works and what happens when someone has a TBI
- What to expect with a TBI
Caregiver Support
When caring for a loved one, you can expect to have ups and downs. Remember to care for yourself too! If you don’t take care of yourself, it will become more challenging to take care of your loved one.
Health Care Services
DVBIC TBI Recovery Support Program supports service members and their caregivers, and connects them to appropriate resources as they progress through recovery. Recovery support specialists work directly with service members to empower them with resources that advance their care and understanding of TBI.
DCoE Outreach Center is available 24/7 and can help you find appropriate resources in your local area. Call 866-966-1020, email resources@dcoeoutreach.org or live chat.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support provides help in finding the right services for you and your veteran.
Financial Help
Veterans Affairs Financial Assistance for Caregivers provides a stipend for qualified caregivers.
The DCoE Outreach Center is available 24 hours a day seven days a week to answer questions and point you to resources in your area. Call 866-966-1020, email resources@dcoeoutreach.org or live chat.