VA Caregivers Support Line

As part of National Family Caregivers Month, we want to remind everyone that  VA's Caregiver Support Line assistance is just a quick phone call away. Whether you are in need of immediate assistance or have questions about what services you may be eligible for, the caring licensed social workers who answer the support line can:

• Provide you with information about assistance available from VA;
• Help you access services;
• Connect you with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA Medical Center near you, or; 
• Just listen, if that's what you need right now.

If you're just getting started with VA, calling the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 is a great first step to learn more about the support that is available to you.

The VA Honors National Family Caregivers Month

While the VA honors and celebrates caregivers who selflessly provide care to ill, injured, or disabled Veterans, year-round, November is National Family Caregivers Month. The theme for 2019 is “#BeCareCurious.”

Many Veterans suffer from chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or daily difficulties and benefit from having a caregiver. Because the need for caregivers is expected to increase, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with VA and community partners to meet their needs.

VA is leading the country in providing unprecedented benefits and services to caregivers in support of Veterans. The Caregiver Support Program has two programs, one of which is the Program of General Caregiver Support Services, for eligible Veterans of all eras. In addition, the VA is working with urgency to expand the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), of Veterans from all service eras. VA seeks to ensure the PCAFC meets the needs of those currently in the program and those it will serve as it expands.

The expansion will occur in two phases, beginning in the summer of 2020 or once the Secretary has certified that the new information technology (IT) system is fully implemented. In addition to IT being certified by the Secretary, final regulations must be published.

Concurrently, the Caregiver Support Program Office offers some fantastic projects, which include adopting new technology and increasing educational opportunities for caregivers, to enhance their experience. A few examples are:

• Annie Caregiver Text Support - Provides stress management tips via text messaging to caregivers;
• Caregiver Dementia Video Series - Development of three new caregiver videos;
• Suicide Prevention Toolkit - Educate caregivers of Veterans to know facts about suicide prevention and when to reach out for resources and help.

This November, during National Family Caregivers Month, VA encourages caregivers to take time to #BeCareCurious about their loved one's care. Caregivers are encouraged to ask questions, explore options and share in the care decisions that affect the health and well-being of their loved ones.

We join in honoring caregivers of Veterans and acknowledging their important role in the health and well-being of Veterans! Get involved by posting:

#VACaregivers

 on Twitter, Facebook, and VA Pulse!