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

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