Download the Caregiver Journey Map
The digital Military and Veteran Caregiver Experience Map was created from a baseline, print version of the caregiver journey. Click here to download the printed version of the journey map.
The Caregiver Journey represents an ever-changing, dynamic human experience.
Throughout the map you will find information on the needs and emotions that caregivers experience at different parts of their journeys, as well as opportunities for intervention where the right people, organizations, and service providers can step in to build sustainable and effective support when caregivers need it most. As the journey continues to evolve, and resources for caregivers continue to expand, we will update the map to reflect new information and challenges that exist along the caregiver continuum.
The Caregiver Journey Map is a work in progress, based on the experiences of caregivers.
As we continue to learn more about the caregiver journey, we will update the map to accurately reflect the ever-evolving continuum of care. If you are interested in contributing to the Caregiver Journey Map project, please send us a note by clicking the link below.
This complex journey is represented by symbols that help viewers understand the information contained throughout the site.
To help viewers navigate the digital journey map, we have assigned abstract symbols that represent the different stages of the caregiver journey. Whenever these symbols appear next to the information on the map, then that information corresponds to one of the three stages outlined below.
THE JOURNEY AS A WHOLE
STAGES & THEIR ICONS
Understanding Landmarks
Within each stage of the map, you will see sections of the journey that we have designated as “landmarks.” The landmarks represent a significant period of time in a caregiver’s journey. Within each landmark, a caregiver might experience a number of different emotions or events, and it is both the caregiver’s response to these events, as well as the resources and support he or she receives at this time, that will define the trajectory of the rest of their journey.
Tipping Point at Home
Something needs to change! Caregiver experiences an event or series of events that make them realize that they need to seek more in-depth support for their care recipient.
Caregiver Self-Identifies
Self-identifying as a ‘caregiver’ can happen at any stage. Many reject the term at first, finding it hard to identify with the label.
Learn more about these landmarks in the Becoming Aware and Adjusting Section of the map.
Understanding Journey Steps
The journey steps you see throughout the map represent the day to day actions or emotional responses of the caregiver as he or she begins to adjust to the changes happening in his or her life. Throughout the map, we have begun to add stories and practical information to help caregivers both understand the steps of the journey, and to better prepare for what lies ahead.
Caregiver Takes on Increasing Responsibilities
As the caregiver adjusts to changes in their loved one’s health or behavior, they will often take on more responsibilities that their care recipient is less able to manage.
Caregiver Researches Symptoms
As the caregiver observes the changes in their loved one’s health or behavior, they will often begin to research their symptoms, hoping to learn more about what is going on. This journey step often leads caregivers to seek out more targeted support.
Learn more about these journey steps in the Becoming Aware and Adjusting Section of the map.