May is Military Appreciation Month, but it’s also the Month of the Military Caregiver. While it’s a lesser-known month-long observance, it’s just as important. Without our military caregivers, many service members and veterans wouldn’t receive the necessary care and support they need to live thrilling lives.

In honor of the Month of the Military Caregiver, we want to celebrate and honor the sacrifice these individuals have made for the military members in their lives. Stick with us to learn more about military caregivers, available resources through the VA, and how you can observe the Month of the Military Caregiver.

What is a Military Caregiver?

A military caregiver refers to a family member, friend, or acquaintance who provides care and support to active duty personnel and veterans who are wounded, ill, or injured. These caregivers help those in their care lead better, more fulfilling lives while recovering or rehabilitating. Oftentimes, many of these individuals are overlooked as part of the military community.

Anyone can be considered a military caregiver, including spouses, children, friends, siblings, relatives, and community members. Caregivers provide service members and veterans with support, but they can also provide physical care, including basic activities like dressing, eating, bathing, medication management, transportation, and more.

Military caregivers also play the role of advocate for the person they’re caring for. A caregiver may work or talk with a service member’s medical team to ensure they get the best treatment possible. The VA can officially recognize caregivers, but many operate informally while providing support and care.

What Is the Month of the Military Caregiver?

Since 2017, May has been the Month of the Military Caregiver alongside Military Appreciation Month. The month campaigns for awareness regarding military caregivers and their crucial role in supporting and caring for service members, veterans, and their families.

On top of awareness, the Month of the Military Caregiver also aims to provide information and resources to help them throughout their service. Additionally, the military community is encouraged to show their support to our military caregivers and the commitment they make to serving those who have made the greatest sacrifice.

Resources for Military Caregivers

There are over 5 million military caregivers, many of whom don’t realize they fall into this role. These individuals provide crucial care to injured, ill, or wounded service members, but often without the support they need.

Military caregivers can find various programs and services through the VA, which includes education, counseling, training, financial assistance, and more. Some examples of these programs include:

●The Caregiver Support Program (CSP)

●The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

●The Respite Care Program

●The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

Caregivers who are enrolled in the CSP can potentially be eligible for a monthly stipend from the VA, but the exact amount varies based on how many hours of care they provide to military members and their location.

You can also find support groups filled with other caregivers who can relate to your situation. You’ll find information, resources, and support from people who share your role in the military community with varied levels of experience. Support groups are an excellent way to connect with others and find support when you’re struggling with your role as a caregiver.

How to Observe Military Caregiver Month

Observing the Month of the Military Caregiver helps increase awareness about the people who care for our service members behind the scenes. You can help our caregivers get the credit they deserve by observing the month in the following ways:

●Educate yourself about the challenges military caregivers face.

●Donate to organizations that support military caregivers.

●Spread awareness through social media.

●Volunteering with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

●Offer to help a loved one who is a military caregiver.

●Attend an event about raising awareness.

●Petition elected officials to support legislation that helps military caregivers.

Thanking Our Military Caregivers for Their Dedication

Our military caregivers have made the selfless choice to stand up and assist with the recovery of those who risked everything for our freedom. If you are a Military Caregiver, we at Military Luggage Company thank you for your strength and your time. Remember that you’re not alone, and there’s a community out there willing to support you.