WWP Independence Program Supports Veterans and Caretakers
Since 2001, between two and three million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including Operation New Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Of these, approximately 400,000 have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, while around 320,000 live with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). More than 52,000 veterans have suffered other physical injuries.
Some service members experience catastrophic injuries that greatly impact their lives, even decades later. The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Independence program aims to support the caregivers of veterans diagnosed with spinal cord injury, moderate to severe brain injury, or other neurological conditions.
Caregiving often falls to the injured veteran’s spouse or family member, who may have no prior experience or training in working with severe injuries. Caregivers may be responsible for meal preparation, medication management, grooming, and logistical details such as running errands.
Wounded Warriors recognized the strain this role placed on caretakers. In 2010, the organization lobbied Congress to pass the Caregivers and Veterans Health Services Omnibus Act of 2010, which ultimately spent $2 billion on services and benefits to caretakers. The Wounded Warriors Independence Program provides additional assistance.
The WWP Independence Program acknowledges that these catastrophically wounded warriors would not survive without intensive care. The program provides caretaker support within the home and offers life skills coaching to the veteran. Additionally, the program facilitates outings to help the warrior connect with other warriors and access community resources.
The Independence Program helps wounded warriors identify pursuits and activities that give them meaning. These might include volunteer work, education, or personal enrichment activities related to health and fitness.
All warriors eligible for the program receive a comprehensive assessment to determine their precise needs and consultation to help them create personal goals. Over the course of the program, veterans also receive case management services to ensure they stay on track.
Additional services through the program might include home healthcare, which can relieve some of the warrior’s caretaker’s burden, and physical health and wellness opportunities. The program might also provide access to enriching alternative therapies such as music, art, or equine therapy.
Wounded warriors might receive stress management and resiliency training to help them manage the psychological effects of their injury, as well as advocacy and long-term care planning. Caregivers can access ongoing support from mental health professionals trained in the unique demands of caring for veterans.
To become eligible for the Independence Program, warriors must be enrolled in the Wounded Warriors program, although their qualifying diagnosis does not need to be service-related. Veterans whose diagnosis does not qualify them for the Independence Program can still access WWP’s numerous support services.
For example, WWP Talk is a support line that makes weekly phone calls to offer non-clinical emotional support for veterans and their families. Trained WWP Talk teammates allow wounded warriors to discuss their goals and learn new coping skills in a neutral, non-judgmental environment. All veterans and family members or caregivers are eligible to participate in the WWP Talk program. While it is not a crisis line, it can provide supplemental support for veterans and their caregivers.
