Take important steps to strengthen your family and access the support you need to help your entire family thrive!
Being a military family is rewarding in many ways, but it can also be challenging. The frequent moves and family separations can take a toll. When you have a family member with special needs, you may find you need additional support to thrive.
You’re not alone. Check out the information below to learn ways you can strengthen your family and get the support you deserve.
Understand Your TRICARE Benefits
TRICARE offers several services for beneficiaries with special needs under the basic TRICARE benefit, including applied behavior analysis, durable medical equipment, home health care, mental health care, and more. Some diagnoses may require health care services outside your current TRICARE coverage plan. In those situations, TRICARE offers Special Programs for certain health conditions, populations, or concerns.
Enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program
If your spouse, child, or other dependent family member requires ongoing medical or educational services, enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Once enrolled, you will have access to a wide range of support and services. Here are some highlights:
- Enrollment in EFMP ensures that your family members’ needs are considered during the assignment process.
- The EFMP & Me Online tool provides checklists, resources, and referrals to guide you through the Department of Defense’s network of services and support. For example, you can create a checklist to guide you through your child care search or to help you navigate financial planning for your loved one. Each checklist can be expanded to display related tasks, tips, and other resources.
- Your EFMP Family Support provider can share information, resources, and support to help you navigate systems of care by providing referrals and ways to bridge gaps and connect you with local resources.
Build a Support Network
Having a family member with special needs can be isolating and challenging at times. Having a strong support network to lean on, vent to, and allow you to catch your breath is important. Search online for a support group or community that can relate to what you’re going through. Ask your EFMP Family Support provider to connect you with other military families or others with a common need or concern.
Take Care of Yourself
When someone you love has special needs, it’s easy to let your own needs slip into the background. But if your tank is empty, it’s hard to give your all to those you love. Take care of yourself. Fuel yourself with nutritious foods, find time to move, and get enough rest.
Respite care provides you with a temporary break by putting your family member in someone else’s care. While this may seem difficult to consider, taking time away from your caregiving duties to attend an appointment or take some time for yourself can help you manage your health and wellness and be a stronger caregiver in the long run.
When you need a break, consider your respite care options. EFMP offers respite care if you meet eligibility requirements. In addition, TRICARE’s Extended Care Health Option offers up to 16 hours of in-home respite care to eligible families.
Reach Out to a School Liaison
If you have a school-aged child, reach out to a school liaison. School liaisons are experienced professionals located at each installation who can support, advise, and help you navigate common education challenges to ensure your child’s educational needs are met. For example, a school liaison can help you locate a school, advise you on enrollment requirements and processes, and connect you to special education resources.
Learn More About Additional Resources
You are your family member’s best advocate. It’s important to know as much as you can about the laws, services, and resources available to support you. Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- ChildCare.gov provides a lot of information about specific diagnoses, early intervention services, special education services, social security benefits, and more.
- Military OneSource special needs consultants are available to help you navigate services and connect you with both military and community-based support.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a Milestone Tracker app that helps you track your child’s development, learn the signs, and act early if you have a concern.
Take important steps to strengthen your family and access the support you need to help your entire family thrive!