Orlando VA celebrates family caregivers and recognizes and honors our nation’s unsung heroes. Family members, friends and neighbors who care for Veterans play a critical role in ensuring the health of our Veterans, and their efforts may often go unnoticed.
Throughout the year, Orlando VA’s caregiver support team of 40 individuals work to highlight their efforts and show them appreciation for their indispensable efforts which allows Veterans to stay in their homes.
Stepping out of their usual role, a group of caregivers got to enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie and painting on canvas. The event helped caregivers take time for themselves and bond with one another. The stress-free environment produced many smiles, hugs, and support filled with sharing knowledge and confidence.
Provides the time they don’t normally take for themselves
Caregiver Support Coordinator Michelle Harper is instrumental in coordinating events for the caregivers. “This event provided caregivers with the me time and self-care that they don’t normally take for themselves,” she said.
Veteran caregiver Julissa Rodriguez describes the benefits the program has provided her. “This program has helped me understand what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is, how to understand my Veteran and how to stand by his side and know what his triggers are,” she said.
“This makes things better and gives us a break.”
Rodriguez looks forward to sharing stories and talking with other caregivers during these events. “Activities like this make things better and gives us a break,” she added.
Caregiver Lizzette Hernandez shared her experience in the program. “Education is key and the financial support helps because we, as caregivers, put in many hours,” she said.
The Orlando VA Caregiver Support program is the largest in the nation with over 1,490 caregivers who receive access to important resources and additional support to care for Veterans.
Read more information about the Caregiver Support program.
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I’m 100 percent disabled with major health problems. I’ve applied twice for the program and keep getting denied. The reason they give makes no sense to me. Nine miles of red tape, tough for a person with TBI. Do they just want you to give up and go away?
What about veterans like me who are seniors with behavioral health challenges and who are caring for a senior who is an intimate partner?
Wow there was no support when I was caring for my Nam Vet husband.
Is there such thing as a program for a retired veteran who is a full time caregiver for a spouse?
Since the head of Volunteers won’t let me set up a table once a week in the summer to give away fresh produce, I now make up boxes with squash, zucchini and whatever extra I have for nurses, for the men and women who check us in. Cannot even describe how thankful they are. They are very good to us and deserve it. Just because they work at the VA doesn’t mean they make a lot of money. I learned that many years ago when I worked for Mayo Clinic’s. By the way, the VA Clinic in Lubbock is awesome!