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Caregiver support

VA Erie health care offers a number of services to support you and the Veteran you care for. Ask a caregiver support coordinator to help you find what you need, whether it's in-home help, someone to listen, or anything in between.

Care we provide at VA Erie

Family caregivers play an important role in caring for the Veteran at home and in the community. VA’s Caregiver Support Program is designed to help provide support, education, and resources to caregivers of Veterans. VA offers two programs: 

  • The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (eligible Veterans of all areas) 
  • The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers 

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

VA provides a wide-range of education and training to help support caregivers and the Veterans they serve. Support services include peer support mentoring program, online workshops, group support, self-care activities, tools to help manage medications and finances, and more. VA also provides a REACH VA Caregiver Program designed to assist caregivers of Veterans with unique challenges covering topics such as taking care of yourself, problem solving, mood management, asking for help, and stress management.  

Who Qualifies: This program is available to all caregivers who provide personal care services to Veterans enrolled in VA health care. No formal application is requires to enroll in PGCSS. Contact our Caregiver Support Program today for more information.

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (Recently Expanded)

This program provides eligible caregivers with education and training, access to healthcare insurance (if caregiver is otherwise uninsured), mental health counseling, financial stipend, respite care, wellness contact, and travel and per diem compensation when traveling for a Veterans VA health care appointment. VA offers enhanced clinical support for caregivers of eligible Veterans who are seriously injured.  Enhanced services include offering legal and financial services for designated Primary Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans, 

Who Qualifies: Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury (including a serious illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air services on or after September 11, 2001, or on or before May, 7, 1975.  Veterans also must have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more, AND, must need in-person personal care services for a minimum of six (6) continuous months based on an inability to perform an activity of daily living, or a need for supervision, protection, or instruction on a daily basis.

Click here for more information on The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Care

Connect with a support coordinator

Caregiver Support Program: 814-860-2657

VA Caregiver Support Line

The Caregiver Support Line is available if you need support outside of the Erie region, have questions about caregiver support services nationwide, or just need someone to listen right now.

Phone: 855-260-3274

 

  • Different conditions and diagnoses require different care. The VA Caregiver Support Program offers specific training, educational resources, and tools to help you succeed.

  • The National Resource Directory highlights programs for service members and Veterans across the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, other U.S. Government agencies, and associated organizations.

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