Caregivers find support, community and services at VA

Caregivers are vital to ensure Veterans can live with dignity and independence. Caregivers can be family members managing medications or acts of daily living, close friends regularly taking a Veteran to appointments, or a neighbor helping with grocery shopping. The role of a caregiver is often both rewarding and challenging. 

VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP) empowers caregivers with resources and guidance to help them care for themselves while caring for their Veterans. 

The CSP provides education, emotional support and fosters a sense of community among caregivers. As a part of this community, these resources enhance a caregiver’s ability to provide high-quality care to their Veteran, while maintaining their own health and well-being. 

Ron’s experience caring for his father, Lee, a World War II pilot, illustrates this journey. When Lee broke his hip, Ron stepped in as his primary caregiver.  

“He didn’t want to be in a nursing home,” Ron said. With his father resolved to age in his home and with his community, Ron was resolute: “I was going to make that happen.”  

Determined to let his father age at home, Ron quit his job and moved in with Lee to provide full-time care. “Nothing could have prepared me for the challenging yet rewarding experience I was on,” shared Ron. “I had no prior experience being a caregiver, and it was overwhelming at first.” 

He sought support from VA Salt Lake City Health Care System’s CSP. The CSP provided Ron with resources, including respite care, which is short-term relief for caregivers allowing them to take a break, run errands or go on vacation. Lori Davis, a nurse on Ron’s caregiver support team, played a key role in his journey.  

"Lori changed what I thought about VA by helping me navigate the health care system and provided care that went beyond dad's medical needs,” said Ron. "She even helped me get him a new wheelchair. VA helped me care for him at home, where he was happiest, and it made all the difference."   

A team to help caregivers at every step of the journey 

Through the CSP, caregivers have a VA caregiver support team dedicated to helping them navigate VA health care and connect to a wider caregiver support community. 

The CSP has been invaluable for Sharon, who sought help from VA Western Colorado Health Care System while caring for her husband, Bob. 

“The programs and group sessions helped me understand Bob’s conditions and adapt as his conditions changed,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to care for him without that understanding.”  

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally taxing; however, the CSP ensures caregivers are never alone. This knowledge can bring a sense of relief and reassurance, knowing that there is a support system in place. 

“I thank my nurse, Amie Smith, for being there to assist me through the next phases of Bob’s caretaking,” Sharon said about the continued support and guidance provided by the CSP. 

Sandra, a caregiver in Denver, Colorado, connected to a CSP peer mentor group. “For me, I knew I was in strange waters, and my heart was breaking as each of [my husband’s] diagnoses suggested more decline. I needed help within this huge service called VA. Maybe I could learn from this group as to how to navigate this imposing system.... I found those resources and more.” 

No matter where a caregiver lives or when their Veteran served, VA ensures the dedication and sacrifices of caregivers are met with community, team, support and services. 

How VA can help you as a caregiver

The CSP includes two programs. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) offers skills training, peer mentoring and coaching for caregivers. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides additional support for those caring for Veterans with severe service-related injuries or illnesses. This can include financial assistance.

Visit VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Caregiver Support Program or call 720-723-3013 to connect with a caregiver support coordinator. 

VA is committed to caregivers and recognizes them as critical partners in Veteran health care. Every VA health care system has a CSP team to assist caregivers with information, training and support. 

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) is also available at 1-855-260-3274 to provide information on available programs and connect you with local resources.  

“I have used the Caregiver Support Line many times in the past almost three years,” said Pam, a caregiver receiving support through Cheyenne VA Health Care System in Wyoming. “The people I have talked to have always gone the extra mile to help me.” 

Whether you’re just beginning your caregiving journey or need ongoing support, the CSL can help you care for your Veteran. 

“I would tell other caregivers to get all the counsel they can to help them in this season of their life,” said Pam.  

Visit VA Caregiver Support Program to learn more about available resources and how the CSP can support you in caring for your Veteran. All caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to help you provide the best care for your Veteran and yourself. 

Jesus Flores is a writer and editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran. 

This article has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by Katie (Catherine) Beall, VISN 19 Creative Task Force Newsroom Chief.