The second facet of the Family Caregiver Program provides respite, relaxation, enjoyment and peace of mind to caregivers as they attempt to assimilate to their new environment. Often times, caregivers experience a rapid relocation immediately after learning that their service member has been injured, and a considerable amount of time is then spent at the hospital. Very few of these caregivers are familiar with their new surroundings and do not have a resident’s knowledge of local amenities. The Family Caregiver Program schedules events such as day trips to hair salons, group lunches and pool days, and is working towards movie outings and shopping expeditions on a regular basis. These trips ease the transition of relocation and present opportunities for family members to gain confidence in their ability to adapt to very challenging circumstances. In times of significant change and uncertainty, these small creature comforts can create feelings of normalcy, stability and well-being for those who have an extremely long road to recovery ahead.

Cheryl Braswell receives a new hairstyle from Dean Kraps, the co-owner of Lluminaire Salon in Towson, Md.

Both components of the Family Caregiver Program are designed with clear intention to support those who have willingly changed the course of their lives in the space of a single phone call. Most feel that it is a privilege to be in service to those they love and would not have it any other way. That feeling of privilege, however, does not negate the difficulty of their path, nor the path of their service member. These initiatives acknowledge the strength and value of each caregiver, sister, mother, wife or friend, and the creative opportunities to thrive instead of just survive. When everything is said and done, that is what each of us wants the outcome to be.

The Family Caregiver Program aims to make this transition a little less daunting by scheduling events such as dinner and movie nights, day trips to hair salons, group lunches and pool days, and is working towards outings and shopping expeditions on a regular basis. The program is currently collaborating with the Red Cross and the Child, Youth and School Services (at Walter Reed Army Medical hospital) to establish a metro/introduction to the area program. These trips ease the transition of relocation and present opportunities for family members to gain confidence in their ability to adapt to very challenging circumstances while networking and building support systems with other caregivers who are going through similar circumstances. In times of significant change and uncertainty, these small creature comforts can create feelings of normalcy, stability and well-being for those who have an extremely long road to recovery ahead.

Michelle Kacer (front), the head of the YRF Caregiver Program, poses at a recent Lluminaire Salon Day with three caregivers (left to right): Liz Flowers, Kristine Recendez and Angie Ragas.

Both components of the Family Caregiver Program are designed with the clear intention to support those who have willingly changed the course of their lives in the space of a single phone call. Most feel that it is a privilege to be in service to those they love and would not have it any other way. That feeling of privilege, however, does not negate the difficulty of their path, nor the path of their service member. These initiatives acknowledge the strength and value of each caregiver, sister, mother, wife or friend, and the creative opportunities to thrive instead of just survive. When everything is said and done, that is what each of us wants the outcome to be.