National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
Veteran Community Partnerships
Caregiver turns to VCP for guidance on long-term care during the coronavirus pandemic
Author: Dr. Tracy L. Weistreich
Nurse Executive, VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement & Partnerships (HAP)
In 2019, Vicki Phillips and Vietnam Veteran, Melvin Phillips, were on their fourth trip to Negril, Jamaica, when they decided to unexpectedly renew their marriage vows on Seven Mile Beach. The 44th anniversary isn’t typically considered a milestone, but they chose to celebrate that day because they were together in their favorite place and committed to each other.
Two years later, Phillips’s husband flipped through old photos from their time exploring the island as an exercise to keep his mind active since his diagnosis with vascular dementia in May 2020.
“Even before he got sick, I couldn't say enough good things about him,” Phillips said. “He’s still an excellent father, grandfather, and husband.”
His diagnosis came at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic as everyone was adjusting to the new way of life. Many doctors’ appointments no longer allowed additional people, and attending social events or going to the grocery store became more of a risk.
Phillips turned to their local Veteran Community Partnership (VCP) in Louisville, Kentucky, for help because she wanted to learn more about dementia and take better care of him. VCPs are collaborations—and each is part of the larger Veterans Health Administration (VHA) VCP initiative—that bring together community leaders, some of whom are Veterans, and organizations with VA Medical Center (VAMC) programs to help Veterans access health care and supportive services at VA and beyond.
“It's been very difficult because he needs to get out and be exposed to things to keep his mind as sharp as possible,” Phillips said. “COVID has made it more difficult than it would have been otherwise, and we have to take more precautions because of his immune system.”
The VCP initiative is a joint project of the VHA Geriatrics and Extended Care, National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), and other VHA offices such as Rural Health (ORH) and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) also contribute to VCP success. VHA plans to have a VCP at each of the VAMCs by September 2024.
“They have so much to offer and have taken such good care of us. I can't tell you enough good things about Lori [Lori Paris, social worker, caregiver support coordinator and Veteran community partnership co-chair] and what she does to support us,” Phillips said. “The first thing she said was, “What can we do for you?””
Phillips shared that participating in the VCP virtual meetings taught her about what is available for Veterans through VA, American Red Cross, AARP, and suicide prevention resources. She also participates in their support groups and found guidance on how to prepare for the next stages of dementia.
Many caregivers find themselves in challenging situations like Phillips during COVID-19. In light of National Family Caregivers Month and Long-Term Care Awareness Month, take a moment to reach out to a caregiver you know to see how they’re doing and remind them of the resources available through VCPs and VA.
For more information about additional caregiver services the VA has to offer, visit:
https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/ or https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
To learn more about the VCPs in your area, visit: https://www.va.gov/healthpartnerships/vcp.asp.
External Link Disclaimer: This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
Posted November 23, 2021
