ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the unique challenges of many Veteran caregivers, who not only struggle to meet the physical needs of recently returning service members, but also often manage the less visible challenges related to adjustment to civilian life. It provides an accessible and pragmatic overview of the various things to consider in caring for those who care, the families of those who support US Veterans. The chapter focuses on the challenges faced rather than the joys and meaning that caregivers often derive from their relationships with Veterans. It present an overview of the caregiver experience, followed by a discussion of the types of physical daily caregiving tasks that caregivers may be faced with when assisting an OEF/OIF/OND Veteran. Many healthcare or behavioral health providers outside of military, Department of Defense (DoD), or Veterans Affairs (VA) settings have little specialized training in how to support caregivers of recently returning Veterans.
