November is a significant month for VA as we unite to celebrate National Family Caregiver Month. This year’s theme, “Year of the Caregiver – The Whole Caregiver,” embodies VA’s commitment to caregivers who play a vital role in supporting our nation’s Veterans.
Dr. Colleen Richardson, executive director of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), is attending events at local VA facilities to meet with caregivers nationwide.
Richardson attended the fourth annual Caregiver Appreciation Drive in Orlando at Lake Nona VA. CSP staff worked with VA partners ARMOR/Suicide Prevention, Intimate Partner Violence, Whole Health, Recreation Therapy and Chaplain Services to provide resources to caregivers.
The team also incorporated community partner Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center. The most important aspect of events is the personal connections between caregivers, resource providers and community partners.
“It’s a wonderful time to pause, reflect and celebrate,” said Christene Suarez, social work program manager. “The drive-through was an important part of our month-long celebration of National Caregiver Month and one of many opportunities for caregivers to participate in both virtual and face-to-face educational and self-care activities.”
At Southeast Louisiana VA, caregivers like Sylvana Travis, sister of a Vietnam Veteran, captured the essence of the VA’s caregiver program, saying, “The VA program for caregivers is such a big relief. I can get answers to all my questions and get information about things I didn’t even know existed.”
Pictured above, Richardson shakes the hand of Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System caregiver.
On Nov. 28, the Topeka Caregiver Support team will host the 2023 VA Caregiver Support Resource Fair & Summit. The resource fair and summit will engage caregivers and allow caregivers to interface with the local community and VA partners to explore resources and support systems. Caregivers in the Topeka area can learn more about the event by contacting their local CSP team at the VA Eastern Kansas health care facility.
Upcoming events
Every local team is hosting events, and a variety of virtual events are available to all caregivers of Veterans regardless of location, including the Washington D.C. VA facilities:
- Dementia and Caregiver Self-Care Webinar Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. ET. Register to join.
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Caregiving Webinar Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. ET. Register to join.
How to get involved in events and find caregiver resources:
- Engage with your local CSP team: Discover NFCM events and workshops by contacting the CSP team at your local VA facility.
- Access resources for your well-being: Explore VA Caregiver Support Program resources like respite services, peer support mentoring and the Annie Text Message Program to manage stress and prioritize well-being.
- Connect with fellow caregivers: Join the Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring program to create a community of strength and support.
Together, we make National Family Caregiver Month a month of empowerment, education and unity among caregivers, ensuring that the Whole Caregiver is recognized, supported and celebrated.
Thank you for your remarkable contributions, and happy National Family Caregivers Month!
Visit VA Caregiver Support Program National Family Caregiver Month website for more information and resources.
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Dr. Colleen Richardson is a valuable asset to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her commitment to veteran caregivers is unmatched. She has proven time and time again that she not only cares and values the caregiver, but also veteran families and survivors. Since becoming executive director of the VA caregiver support program she has made it her mission to steer this program in the right direction. Unlike her predecessor Meg Kabat, she has taken the initiative to be transparent and open about the issues and problems this program has faced and is making a pathway for change to correct the wrongs of the past; which have disenfranchised many veterans and caregivers from benefiting from this crucial program. She is a national treasure and should be protected all costs.