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.
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The VA Chaplains and the VA Crisis Line have been my support system. In my experience they are authentic, dedicated and caring people. The Chaplains praying with me and their continued prayers when they meet have produced miracles. Thank you. Blessings.
I am in tears reading this. Unless or until someone is cast into this situation there is no way to know what the one with sudden responsibilities goes through caring for their loved one.
The VA just spent 50 million to help prevent suicide. Must be they’re going to buy more coloring books for us. Can’t wait…
I have one thing to say about religion. I don’t care. My designated choice of religion is N/A. Not applicable.
My wife has to drive me 100% of the time, I don’t trust myself because of issues with my head, and stability. Passed this onto the VA and they denied my claim. Waste of my time.
>>>>>Chaplains…….serve no purpose & have absolutely authority by anyone including OUR GOD to anything. Yon live a life of sin till you die & now b3 you check out you want forgiveness………..this is not repentance, this is a COP=OUT…….. Chaplains have no authority from OUR GOD even though they are temporary substitutes put in their position by their congregations if they will follow the dictates of your church denomination……..
God gives each of us a purpose. The doctor has a purpose, the pilot has a purpose, the guy who checks me out at the local convenience store has a purpose, and they all have many responsibilities. Your are right, that authority is given by God alone and it is not to be received lightly. What one does with that authority is entirely up to the individual it has been given to, because God also gives us free will. I respect Chaplaincy and I am glad it exists. Through Chaplaincy I found someone who genuinely loves and cares about me and doesn’t push religion on me, meets me where I am at. I am sorry if you have met someone who possibly abused there authority as a Chaplain and I pray that you haven’t thrown God out with the bath water.