EASTON, Pa. – Georgette Wenton says it’s the little things that matter.
She’s the primary caregiver for her husband, Jason Wenton, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Persian Gulf War.
- Northampton County is the 196th county in the nation to join the Hidden Heroes program
- The program supports, assists and recognizes caregivers of military veterans
- It was founded by former Sen. Elizabeth Dole and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
When folks offer to lend a hand, she said, it makes a difference.
One day before Veterans Day, Georgette was recognized for her work as a “Hidden Hero”—those who are caregivers to veterans.
“We’re called ‘Hidden Heroes’ for a reason,” said Georgette, of Stroudsburg. “It’s because we're invisible. It’s tough for us to get out into the community and say, ‘Hey we’re here,’ because we’re so focused on our veteran.”
The Hidden Heroes program was started by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to recognize the caregivers of military veterans and the work they do every day. The foundation was created by former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican who represented North Carolina.
On Thursday, members of AARP, the Northampton County Office of Veterans Affairs and the Dole Foundation held a news conference announcing Northampton as the 196th county in the nation to join the Hidden Heroes program.
The program aims to help caregivers with support needed in taking care of veterans, raising awareness of their work and sharing their stories.
Caregiving can come from a spouse, parent, child or friend, but the work they do often flies under the radar, Georgette Wenton said. She is a Dole Foundation Fellow, meaning she has been selected to represent the foundation as an advocate for military caregivers.
“We’re called ‘Hidden Heroes’ for a reason. It’s because we're invisible."Georgette Wenton, Stroudsburg
Georgette has looked after Jason, an amputee who’s in a wheelchair, while she herself has battled cancer and undergone chemotherapy.
She said one way people can help caregivers is to be specific in the type of help they’re able to offer.
“The best thing that can happen is really one-on-one,” Georgette Wenton said. “When you encounter a ‘Hidden Hero,’ be specific in what you’re willing to offer. Say ‘Hey I’m running to the store, what do you need?' Or 'I’m going to soccer practice tonight, let me take the kids.'”
Even taking time to grab a cup of coffee with a caregiver can help. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference, Wenton said.
About 15% of programs for veterans support caregivers, said Kellie VonStein, AARP associate state director of outreach and advocacy. Most programs focus on offering caregivers assistance that’s focused on the care recipient.
“Military caregivers experience worse health outcomes, greater strains in family relations and workplace problems than non-caregivers,” VonStein said.
As part of the Hidden Heroes program, Northampton County will hold an annual observance to recognize military and veteran caregivers.
The designation also will see that caregivers in the county can access local resources and support—as well as seek to identify other military and veteran caregivers in the county.
