Caregivers work hard to make sure Veterans receive the care they need. VA virtual care tools can make that work easier. Whether you’re a Veteran’s family member or a professional caregiver, VA has virtual care tools to help you on your journey.
Here are four VA resources that can help as you care for the Veteran in your life—and yourself.
1. VA Video Connect’s “Caregiver Connect”
VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app, makes it easy for caregivers to join health care appointments. Veterans can invite up to five family members or caregivers to an appointment. All they need to do is ask about the Caregiver Connect option at scheduling. Veterans can also invite caregivers to an in-progress video visit.
The VA provider will use the Invite Participants feature, and the invitation is sent immediately through an email or text message.
To learn more about this option, read the Caregiver Connect fact sheet.
2. Ask a Pharmacist
Have questions while you’re setting up a pill organizer? The Ask a Pharmacist app provides you with trusted information about medications and VA pharmacies. Anyone can access the medication information so you can learn how to read prescription bottle labels and identify pills by sight.
Ask a Pharmacist provides a link to My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. A Veteran with a My HealtheVet account can use their secure sign-in credentials to refill VA prescriptions, send a secure message to their pharmacist and more.
To launch the app in your browser, visit the Ask a Pharmacist app page.
3. Annie for Veterans
VA’s automated text messaging service is not just for Veterans. Caregivers can also receive Annie’s caregiver support texts to help reduce stress and feel less alone.
The stress management subscription is one of Annie’s most popular features among caregivers. These text messages include tips and activities—such as breathing exercises and motivational messages—to lift your spirits during the day.
You can also opt in to subscriptions about dementia, PTSD and Parkinson’s disease. These messages provide education and advice so that you can better understand and interact with the Veteran in your care.
Learn more about Annie’s features on the Annie for Veterans page. If you want to sign up for Annie, contact your local Caregiver Support Program Team.
4. Mindfulness Coach
Caregiving can be hard on your mental health. The Mindfulness Coach app is designed to help you be present in the moment without passing judgment. A mindfulness practice can reduce your stress, anxiety and depression. It also benefits your concentration, sleep and self-awareness.
Mindfulness Coach offers a series of simple exercises that can help you integrate mindfulness into your life—starting at just one minute per day. You can save your favorite exercises, learn about different styles of mindfulness and track progress toward your mental health goals.
To download the app, visit the Mindfulness Coach page.
To learn more about VA’s virtual care tools, visit the Connected Care website.
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I have a question I was my husband’s caregiver. He passed away and I wanted to know if I could be another Veterans caregiver? If so how do I find another Veteran in need of a caregiver?
There are 17 comments which are questions but there are NO REPLIES. Why are you wasting you time?
What programs does the VA offer veterans who are the caregivers? Many vets have family members who require care. It’s a known fact that the stresses associated with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be harmful to ones health.
I would like information on how to make myself a caregiver for my husband. Can you please send me an application?
I would like to pass that information along to a friend. I think this is the 1# question.
I would like information on how to make myself a caregiver for my husband. Can you please send me an application?
I am trying very hard to get My Granddaughter as my caregiver. We have made the application and had the interviews. They told us it would be 30 days that was December 3 anyway you could help.
Tried to get caregiver was unsucessful runaround but VA got me stuff so I don’t fall in 80
While there is a wealth of information here directly for care givers for veterans there is absolute ZERO attention or resources given to veterans who are the care givers.
I went as far to call caregivers.va.gov and they confirmed , I a 30 year vet, being the care giver am the anomaly and my category has not been consider for any resources.
That sucks. That is exactly what I was looking for.
Am I correct in assuming this for care for veterans only? I am a veteran who is a caregiver for my wife. She is not a veteran.
Please send this to my care giver
Thank you
I would like to know my tax responsibility as I am 100% declared disabled. The question is what is my tax on this income. I don’t want to get behind with the IRS
Anthony Mols 1/22/25 IS there any possibility in receiving help in completing the application for my wife . MY CAREGIVER
Yes, call caregiver support and ask for this. They will set up immediate video appointments with local VA and do the paperwork for you. They are amazing.
I would like for my son to be my care giver. I would like your help in achieving this task?
i would like info on making my son caregivercould you [lease let me know what all i gotto do
Frank Bellizzi January 16, 2025
I would like to establish my wife as my caregiver. Can you help me with the paperwork for application?
Call caregiver support. They will complete the paperwork for you via video appointments with you.
I would like to establish my wife as my caregiver. Can you help me with the paperwork for application?
What application is needed for wife as care giver
You can go to the caregiver portion of the Va website and it tell you the step by step process. Or you can contact your local Va and ask for assistance from your primary care team. I have been on the program for 14 years so I suggest type start there.
Make a call to caregiver support, or your primary care team. They will arrange for somebody to complete the paperwork for you via video visits. The process takes about 90 days from start to finish. It’s better if you have their help.