Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

The Defense Health Board, The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Family Caregiver Guide

Being a caregiver can be both challenging and rewarding. Caregivers often tell us that what helped them most was this advice: Take things one day at a time. Learn to ask for and accept help. Try to reduce stress. And maintain hope.

Family Caregiver Curriculum

The Family Caregiver Guide provides caregivers with information and resources not only to care for their loved ones, but themselves in the process. (Click here for a pdf of the full Family Caregiver Guide.)

This resource is broken down into sections, or modules:

Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury (Module 1)

This module describes the brain and how its function is affected by TBI. The focus of this module is to help caregivers understand the changes that can be seen in their loved ones. Click here to see Module 1: Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury.

Understanding the Effects of TBI and What You Can Do to Help (Module 2)

This module explains in more detail the physical and emotional effects of TBI. It also explains to the caregiver how they can help their family member deal with these issues. Click here to see Module:2 Understanding the Effects of TBI and What You Can Do to Help.

Becoming a Family Caregiver for a Service Member/Veteran with TBI (Module 3)

This module is all about the caregiver. It has tips on how to organize life as a caregiver and encourages caregivers to take care of themselves during this stressful time. Click here to see Module:3 Becoming a Family Caregiver for a Service Member/Veteran with TBI.

Navigating Services and Benefits (Module 4)

This module explains how the disability rating system works. It describes how to get services and benefits that can help you take care of your injured family member. Click here to see Module:4 Navigating Services and Benefits.

To request a Family Caregiver Guide, please email info@DVBIC.org.

To download a pdf of the full Family Caregiver Guide, click here.

Multimedia Resources

We encourage you to explore the following multimedia resources:

Caregiving and TBI: What You Need to Know

This is the second in a series of webcasts on traumatic brain injury, hosted by Doris McMillon. It offers ideas and strategies for people caring for a loved one with TBI, and features the following distinguished guests:

  • Nathan D. Zasler, an internationally respected rehabilitation physician in brain injury care
  • Carolyn Rocchio, a nationally recognized advocate, author and speaker in the field of brain injury
  • Sarah Wade, the wife of retired Army Sgt. Edward “Ted” Wade
Posted on BrainLine July 5, 2012.

The Family Caregiver Curriculum is a source of information and support for caregivers of service members and veterans with moderate to severe TBI. It is the result of Congressional action1 and cooperation from a panel made up of TBI survivors, family members and experts appointed by the White House, and the departments of Defense and Health and Human Services. DVBIC was selected to facilitate this process because of its nearly 20 years of service to active duty military, their beneficiaries, and veterans with traumatic brain injuries. DVBIC received this Congressional mandate April 23, 2007. Staff members provided support to develop the content, ensure its accuracy, and distribute and maintain the curriculum.

The Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans provides comprehensive information and resources caregivers need to care and advocate for their injured loved one and to care for themselves in the process. The guide was produced in collaboration with The Defense Health Board, The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine.

Click here for a pdf of the full Family Caregiver Guide, or see it here on the DVBIC site.

Comments (3)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Thanks for posting this family caregiver guide!
It's hard to navigate military resources for family caregivers but this guide certainly helps. People always think about the person who is injured but sometimes you need a guide for caregivers and their family when caring for a service member who is injured.
Having a guide for family caregivers is very helpful. As a caregiver it was especially helpful in tracking down military specific resources to support my husband and our family. I wish I would have found this guide sooner.