Military caregivers who participate in a Military Caregiver Virtual Peer Forum (an online forum hosted by the Department of Defense's Office of Warrior Care) are doing themselves a great service. In these virtual forums, held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month, caregivers learn how to provide better care for their service member, and also learn how to better care for themselves.
“The Military Caregiver Virtual Peer Forum is a flexible and convenient opportunity for caregivers to connect with each other, regardless of their location. Participants are encouraged to share their individual stories, experiences, and resources with other caregivers to create a nurturing, productive outlet for those caring for wounded, ill and injured service members,” said Sandra Mason, director of the Recovery Coordination Program, DoD Warrior Care.
Aside from connecting and sharing similar experiences, the group will often discuss how to deal with serious issues that need immediate attention and quick resolution—which often leads to a government representative gaining a better understanding of the issues caregivers are dealing with, and offering potential solutions. The forums are also a unique way to receive other vital information through relevant conversations about available resources that address financial support, rest and relaxation, children’s needs, education and training, legal assistance, and pet services, just to name a few. Additional information and resources can also be found in the
Caregiver Resource Directory.
One of the primary benefits of the Military Caregiver Virtual Peer Forum is that the platform allows newcomers and experienced caregivers the chance to compare notes and help ease the process for those who may be having a difficult time adjusting. “This forum is an important resource the Office of Warrior Care provides to support the many caregivers taking care of our military's wounded, ill or injured. The recovery, rehabilitation and transition process for our caregivers is just as important as it is for our service members,” said Mason.
For more information on the Military Caregiver Virtual Peer Forum, or to find in-person peer forums hosted by Military Family Life Counselors at installations throughout the country visit
https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/caregiver-resources.