Originally published: 2024-01-25T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
This is a story about a daughter stepping up as a first-time caregiver.
Lynn Berkebile, 76, needed support. He was on his road to recovery after experiencing several heart-related incidents, including two heart attacks and a stroke. In addition, he’d undergone numerous life-sustaining surgeries.
In July 2021, he moved in with his daughter Rochelle Belobraydic, both pictured above. The move changed life as they knew it. He relied on her for assistance with routine activities such as bathing, dressing, transportation and cooking. He also needed support with his health care treatment plans for physical therapy and medication management.
She felt completely lost in trying to navigate his needs and what services he was eligible for as a 100% service-connected disabled Veteran. As his caregiver, she began experiencing anxiety, depression and feeling overwhelmed. She contacted Fargo VA for information about available resources. That’s when she turned to VA Chaplain Services for support.
VA Chaplain Services supports Veterans by providing resources and services to their caregivers, specifically holistic spiritual care aligning with their needs and desires.
“I didn’t know how to help him with his emotional or mental anguish while I was neck-deep in my own challenges as a caregiver. Chaplain Kate Bohmer threw us both a lifeline,” Belobraydic said.
“Connecting to Chaplain Kate was the best decision I’ve made as caregiver.”
After more than two years of collaborating with VA Chaplain Services, they both have a new outlook on life. Berkebile stepped outside his comfort zone and now participates in the weekly ministry group.
Belobraydic feels better equipped to support her father through overcoming his health challenges, but is also empowered to tend to her personal mental health needs. She says they feel peace and hope after working with the program.
“VA Chaplain Services is another tool in your arsenal for helping you care for your loved one. It made a huge difference in our caregiver-receiver relationship. You won’t be able to do everything for your loved ones, but there are VA services that can help in the areas where you’re struggling, and your loved ones will do better as a result,” she added.
How to contact a local VA chaplain
If you are a caregiver, Veteran or family member of a Veteran and would like to explore VA Chaplain Services, you can find local VA chaplains through the directory. To learn more about the program, check out this webpage and the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs Chaplain Services.
About the Caregiver Support Program (CSP)
CSP promotes the health and well-being of Veterans’ caregivers through education, resources, support and services. Every VA facility has a CSP team that provides valuable information about resources to help caregivers stay informed and supported as they support Veterans. More information can be found on CSP’s website and by contacting local CSP teams. To learn more, watch CSP’s SITREP podcast.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
