As a caregiver for a Veteran, you know firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that come with managing health and well-being. Your daily responsibilities are often physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. The journey isn’t always easy and there are moments when it can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. VA is your partner in care.
You and the Veteran you care for are part of a team
The key to better health outcomes for Veterans is to ensure that both you and the Veteran you care for are part of the care team. Together, you bring valuable insights that can make all the difference in improving the quality of life for everyone involved.
How to get the most out of health care appointments
As a caregiver, you play a critical role in the success of your Veteran’s care. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of health care appointments.
- Prepare in advance: Before each appointment, review the details and list any concerns or changes in the Veteran’s health. Include a list of current medications, dosages and supplements to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
- Encourage self-advocacy: Support your Veteran in speaking up and being engaged during appointments. The more involved they are, the better their health outcomes will be.
- Share observations when needed: Your perspective is invaluable. Share any physical, emotional or behavioral changes you’ve noticed at home that might be relevant to their care.
- Be clear and concise: When providing information, keep it focused and to the point. Highlight the key issues so the health care provider can get a complete picture of the Veteran’s needs without feeling overwhelmed.
- Take notes: It can be easy to forget important details in the moment. Take notes during the appointment and ask for written instructions if needed. This way, you’ll have everything you need to refer back to later.
- Discuss follow-up care: Make sure you understand the next steps. Ask when the next appointment should be and what warning signs to watch for. This can help you provide better care at home.
- Use resources: Don’t hesitate to ask about additional resources, such as referrals to specialists, therapists or social workers that could support both the Veteran and you in your role as caregiver.
Whether you’re looking for emotional support or practical guidance, VA is dedicated to ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in your caregiving role. As a caregiver, you are a vital part of this journey, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Every VHA Health Care System now includes at least one team recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System.
VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) includes legal and financial planning services to support the unique needs of injured Veterans and their primary family caregivers.
Music can have a positive impact on Veterans facing dementia.
My husband who is a Vietnam veteran is so tired of what it takes for me to try and get him the benefits he deserves. We are on round three and each time they give him a little bit but not enough for 70% for home care help. I’m his caretaker and still work since he was never able to have a decent career and quit working early due to his PTSD and hearing issues, etc. I know now that he’s almost 81 they are just hoping he will die soon and they are done with him. It’s a very sad thing. People think they are doing so much for the veterans but we have had to go thru a lot just to get 40% so far. It is really hard for me doing all the driving and care of our home and he can basically do nothing anymore to help.
this is a great site. keep up the good work. thanks.
Tried twice to get this due to taking care of my disabled husband yet 100 percent mental health and health issues and yet not able to get denied yet I take care of him and can work. Sad that I am a caregiver for him…
Try again. at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Same here!!!
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) has new rules coming, it has been denial focused. If you have been denied try again when new rules are in effect.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
I was diagnosed with PP but I moved to South Australia and my brain doctor here hasn’t decided whether I have PD or MSA. Last time I saw him he said he thought I have both. I’ve always been a lucky guy. I just received a protocol. I really want to try it. I rushed through and have been taking 2 doses of PD-5 Formula from UINE HEALTH CENTER for about two weeks. First few days but I think I feel better. I lost my sense of smell years ago and in the last few days I have been able to smell a little, not completely, but I can definitely smell a little. I’m a registered nurse. I’ve been a nurse for 20 yrs.
As my husband’s care giver, where do I apply to the caregiver program?
How do I find out who our Social Worker is and reach out to her/him?
We need a handicap card for our car. Does the VA issue them or can they help me with that situation?
Thanks
Talk to your VA Doctor, they should be able to help you. Also they can tell you how to get a Social Worker. Hope this helps.
The process to get a placard for your vehicle varies state to state. Check out your states motor vehicle website and see if the is an available online form that you can print out and take to your doctor appointment to have them fill it out so you can then return it with your application for a placard to the motor vehicle license branch. Other states might have you go to another route, like through your county or a specific kind of doctor or ….variables. Good luck with your journey. I am a veteran and have had IN, FL and TX placards issued and the process was different in each state.
I served during the Vietnam War, but I didn’t go to Vietnam. Even so, as an Air Force Reservist and civilian employee, I worked on C-123s from 1972 through 1982. These aircraft had Agent Orange residue. I had a heart attack in 2011, and my wife was told I’d never make it to the hospital. It took until 2015 before Agent Orange Residue was proven to be the cause of the death of thousands of Military personnel. This information never got to many others. I was finally given 40% disability in 2024. (No Money) I say shame on our government. It seems to me they were dragging their feet while many passed away, all in the name of saving taxpayer money, as many died.
I commend the VA for the many efforts made to align the medical service the Veteran receives with the Doctor and support it with the service he receives at home. It has made an amazing difference being able to keep my Korean War husband comfortable at home with me. The assistance we receive is just enough to maintain a safe and workable schedule to live comfortable life at home. Thank you.
My wife always goes with me to the local Air Force base, sometimes she has to drive me when my injury is flared up and I can barely walk. I was recently informed that I could no longer get her a base pass and in order to do so I need a letter from the VA stating that she’s my caregiver. How do I go about obtaining this letter?
Ask your primary care or the social worker attached to your pact team, they should be able to supply this letter. Also, you can have an advanced directive put in place right there at the VA and they will keep it on file. Be sure to keep all copies as well. Finally , you can have your wife apply to the caregiver program, this will give her access to your doctors, appointments and many other services and resources. She may even get paid to be your caregiver depending on your disability rating. Good luck!
VA is a life saver! My husband has Parkinson’s and needs a lot of help for voice, mobility and more. I’m so grateful to the VA.
The caregiver program is total bs. My wife gave up her practice to take care of me. I can’t go anywhere without her (safety reasons). But the VA only cared if I could wipe my butt and feed myself.
They have changed these requirements. Have her try again.
I have been rated Catastrophically Disabled, Permanently and Totally Disabled and Unemployable by the VA since 2011. They finally recognized and designated my wife as my Caregiver in 2020 (She is an RN). But…they only authorized her to care for me 10 hours A WEEK!!! I am Catastrophically Disabled and need care and/or supervision 24/7. The Caregiver program is a joke.
Agreed. It is a joke and more work on the caregiver to fight with them. Deny Deny Deny
We are in the same vote and quit my job and stay home due to my husband being disabled 100. Two times denied because he can feed himself and do some care. He needs my care and supervision
Thank You for that. I have never had a bad thing to say about Veterans care and seriously appreciate the concern and mail-outs.
You’re doing a great job under difficult situations, and my heart goes out to you all!