ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Military Family Association today released a new guide, "Tips from Caregivers for Caregivers," designed to help people through the difficult process of caring for a wounded loved one. The tips came from the survey responses of 600 military caregivers. The survey was funded by a grant from Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The two-page fact sheet, available in print and online, provides actionable advice for caregivers as they build their network of support.
"Since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, hundreds of thousands of service members have returned home wounded with everything from missing limbs to PTSD ," said Joyce Wessel Raezer, Executive Director of the National Military Family Association. "Words of advice from those who've been down this road before help them know what to expect and how to deal with the challenges during the recovery process. We appreciate the support of The Elizabeth Dole Foundation in helping us gather the insights of experienced caregivers for the purpose of helping others"
One of the key survey findings was that, while taking care of loved ones, caregivers often forget to take care of themselves. The Toolkit explores each of these issues separately and provides helpful information on both fronts. "I would have given anything to be handed something like this," said Shannon Stroup, a military spouse and caregiver who recently attended an Operation Purple® Healing Adventures camp.
"My foundation is proud to support the National Military Family Association's initiative to provide innovative solutions for the challenges facing our military and veteran caregivers," said Elizabeth Dole, President, Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation. "As a caregiver myself, I know these online resources for new caregivers will provide valuable assistance from experienced caregivers who have been tending to wounded warriors during this longest period of war in our nation's history. At Caring for Military Families: Elizabeth Dole Foundation we believe that supporting innovation and collaboration will be critical in our efforts to more effectively support America's hidden heroes."
Download your free copy of "Tips from Caregivers for Caregivers," and make extra copies for your community today.
About the National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 44 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.
About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Senator Elizabeth Dole founded Caring For Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation in 2012 after observing the struggles of military and veteran caregivers first hand, during her own time as a veteran caregiver. The Foundation's mission is to raise awareness of the enormous challenges faced by America's military and veteran caregivers, and strengthen the support afforded to them through commissioning the first comprehensive evidence based research on their needs, investing in innovation, and encouraging collaboration. Read more about the Foundation at www.elizabethdolefoundation.org.
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