Caregiver Support Program Coaching broadens services to caregivers

VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is enhancing services offered to caregivers of Veterans. One of the services, Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Coaching, empowers caregivers by helping them focus on their own health and wellbeing.

“The Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Coaching” pairs caregivers with trained coaches (staff members from local CSP teams) who offer guidance in developing personalized health plans based on the caregiver’s values and needs. The program then connects caregivers with the resources that will help them achieve their goals.

“The Caregiver Support Program has an ongoing commitment to assess and strengthen how we support caregivers of Veterans,” said Dr. Colleen Richardson, executive director. “Part of strengthening our support includes adding resources that focus solely on the wellbeing of caregivers. That means helping caregivers reach their individual goals outside of caregiving and supporting their personal development.”

Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Coaching is available at no cost to caregivers enrolled in CSP’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services and Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

“Coaching through the VA Caregiver Support Program has been a lifeline for me,” said one caregiver at the James H. Quillen VA. “Caregivers are on a unique and complicated journey, and we all have differing circumstances and needs. Yet my coach was able to immediately meet me ‘Where I was’ and I felt supported in an important way. I’m very grateful for this resource.”

Getting started

Getting started with Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Coaching is easy.

1. Contact your local Caregiver Support Program and ask if this is available at your VA medical center. If available, you’ll be paired with a coach specifically trained in Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Coaching.
2. Complete a questionnaire with your coach. This questionnaire will help you to consider, identify and quantify goals.
3. Develop and implement a personalized plan—with the help of your coach—to enhance your overall physical, emotional and mental health.

The coaching style is based on VA’s innovative Whole Health approach, which focuses on what matters to you rather than what’s the matter with you.

Since the program initially launched in January 2021, the program has expanded from 17 sites to more than 54 VA medical centers across the country. VA’s goal is to have this coaching service in place at all VA facilities by the end of fiscal year 2023.

Taking control

Whether caregivers want to set goals to become more active, enhance their personal development or recharge, CSP is here to help.

Connect with a coach today. Caregivers can participate in coaching by contacting their local CSP team.

Want to learn more about CSP and resources for caregivers of Veterans? Visit CSP’s website for more information, stay in touch by subscribing to the CSP email list for updates, or contact the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 if you have a question.