VA’s Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program

Whether you are new to the role of caregiver or have years of experience, chances are you can benefit from the experience, skill and wisdom of other caregivers. The VA Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program provides an opportunity for caregivers to receive guidance and to share their experiences, wisdom, skills and passion.

VA caregiver Cathy Thomas is the sole caregiver of her husband of 25 years, Matt. Matt is a retired Army Veteran who receives care at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, N.H.

Thomas (pictured below) feels the program has changed her life, helping her to share the joys of caregiving and also cope with stressful circumstances and situations.

She had been caring for her husband, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and peri-traumatic tonic immobility (PTI) for nearly a decade before seeking support.

“I was not aware of VA’s Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program. Someone mentioned it to me, so I went online to find the definition of a caregiver. It was then that I learned VA provided caregiver support. I enrolled into the program and was accepted as a mentor.”

Cathy Thomas

Caregivers in rural areas

Since Thomas’ acceptance into the program, she’s experienced an enhanced quality of life. Her passion as a mentor led her to start up a sub-caregiver led peer support group in 2019. The group provides support and discussion for those like herself who reside in the rural area of the state, far from the medical center.

The group consists of six VA caregivers, including a peer in North Carolina and another in North Dakota. Remote members communicate through email or phone. The group members provide each other with a shoulder to lean on, discussing day-to-day experiences and their individual journeys as caregivers.

“We have a great group. We meet for lunch and just talk. It’s our outlet. We talk about the highs, the lows, the challenges and our frustrations of caring for our loved ones.

“Sometimes we discuss our personal goals, projects and our crafts.”

“You feel good that you helped someone”

Thomas’ main objective in forming the group was to provide camaraderie during times when caregivers experience feelings of isolation and loneliness caused by withdrawal from previous habits and lifestyle.

“We build each other up. We’re there for each other. By the time we’re done meeting, a person who was feeling low feels better.

“I love it when mentees have a question and the group addresses it before it turns into a problem. You feel good that you just helped someone.”

Many VA caregivers like Thomas are looking to mentor a peer or provide peer-to-peer support to someone in need. VA is here to provide you with the tools and resources to help you and your loved one.

Caregivers of Veterans of all eras may participate

The program is open to any caregiver of a Veteran who is enrolled in VA health care. The program is open to caregivers for Veterans of all eras. Veterans can serve as a mentor or a mentee. The initial program commitment is six months, but shorter periods may be possible.

The program offers flexible communication, mentorship opportunities

Mentors and mentees communicate using email, telephone and letter writing depending on what works best for both of them. VA is starting to match caregivers in the same geographic locations to allow them to meet in person more easily.

In addition, the Caregiver Support Line offers monthly telephone education groups where caregivers can discuss self-care tips and ask questions on a variety of topics.

Want to learn more about the monthly calls? Listen to a recording or view an educational handout.

Mentors are volunteers with the Voluntary Services Department within the local VA medical center and receive training before being paired with another caregiver.

Spanish-speaking caregiver support

Telephone support group calls are available in Spanish by the VA Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program. Calls are open to caregivers of Veterans of all eras.

For information, call 1-800-767-1750, code 30595, beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Support group calls and dates for Spanish-speaking caregivers:

June 10: Caregiver Point of View – VA Navigation

September 9: Caregiver Point of View – What is it to be a Caregiver

The Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program could help you strengthen relationships with other caregivers, provide an opportunity for networking and empower others.

If you would like to participate in the program, contact your caregiver support coordinator.

Megan L. Jones is a communications specialist with Patient Care Services.