by Jeannette Davidson-Mayer
Our Central Command Post – Adaptive Homes for Cognitive Disabilities
After DeWayne returned from military service in Iraq, we realized the side effects of war would be lifelong. As a military family, never knowing what will be in store yet needing a routine with consistency, we have learned to overcome and adapt to an ever-changing “new normal.” Come learn how a stick-built home can be flexible and meet the needs of those with cognitive challenges.
Jeannette Davidson-Mayer is an author, veteran caregiver, and military family advocate. She is a graduate of the University of Phoenix and has spent over ten years working in human resources, public relations and as a business builder. While Jeannette’s husband DeWayne, a combat veteran, was serving in Kirkuk, Iraq he used five of his nine lives. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) wasn’t a known medical issue yet. Jeannette soon noticed that her husband wasn’t functioning like his old self. Slowly, Jeannette developed a caregiver strategy for supporting her husband’s TBI, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), and now signs and symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This was accomplished by creating “Our Central Command Post,” aka the kitchen (!) to support what little bits of DeWayne’s independence and plan for success she was able. Learn more details in Jeannette’s book, Our Central Command Post. Jeannette’s role as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow Alumni is advocating on behalf of military caregivers nationwide. She shares knowledge with other Military Families to help them realize their own personal strength and encourage them to keep moving forward on their own personal path. Jeannette also shares the importance of incorporating children into the healing process, how this offers greater rebuilding powers and ensures our children are not forgotten in the process. As a part of Four-Star Alliance/America’s Warrior Partnership, Jeannette’s primary goal is focusing on recreational therapy’s benefits in supporting needed successes for our Military Families. Along with creating their own “Central Command Post” that defines their family dynamic. Jeannette is member of the VFW Auxiliary, Team Rubicon – State Planner for Idaho, Saint Alphonsus Community & Foundation Board, Ontario and Chairman of the Boise VA Patient Advocacy Committee. She is also a proud two-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work with Team Rubicon in response to Disaster Services.
You can purchase your copy and as a welcome gift for other families who may benefit on Amazon.com, through Veterans Advocate of Ore-Ida, Oregon Trail Hobbies and Gifts in Ontario, or directly from Jeannette here in town (208-412-8571)