Caregiver

“The biggest lesson I learned from the Caregivers Support team is to keep everything meticulous. They taught me how to make plans. I have everything written down. Before, I had nothing.”

Almost 6 million of those caregivers support a military service member or Veteran.

My HealtheVet really works for this Veteran’s caregiver: “We refill prescriptions, access the portals to print his lab work, keep track of his cholesterol and contact providers on Secure Messaging.”

A program including Caregivers into Veterans’ medical teams is expanding across all of VA, Secretary Robert Wilkie announced Oct. 19 during a virtual 5th annual VA-Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening event.

It is a tough, labor-of-love, kind of job. VA partners with family member caregivers to help provide critical round-the-clock support of their Veterans.

As a Veteran was being treated for COVID-19, his wife was in another hospital, also fighting the virus. She did not survive but two VA social workers made it possible for them to say a virtual goodbye.

New or experienced caregivers can benefit from the experiences of other caregivers with the VA Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program. Learn from each other’s wisdom and skills.

Eligible Veterans can now receive free Portal from Facebook video calling devices thanks to a partnership with Facebook and the American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network. The devices help Veterans connect with their caregivers, families and friends to reduce isolation and improve social connectivity.

VA's Caregiver Support Program provides education, training and support for eligible caregivers. Jamie and Gilbert share their story.

Veterans are able to experience greater freedom to live fuller lives as part of the VA Medical Foster Home program. Samuel Maneely is 98 years old and Jacob Tingle is 89 years old. They both live with Sharon Smack-Dixon, who opened her door up to Veterans who can no longer live alone. “It’s like family,” said Maneely, a World War II Veteran. “We do all kinds of stuff—watch TV, play checkers. We get along.” “I love that woman,” said Tingle, a Korean War Veteran. “She’s like a sister. I’m very happy here.” For Smack-Dixon, she said she enjoys the two Veterans because they act as grandfathers to her grandchildren.

Millions of Americans age 65 and older live with dementia. Veterans age 65 and older are the fastest growing population served by the VA. Chillicothe health fair has help for those who suffer and their caregivers.

VA has announced improvements to the caregiver support program, expanding the comprehensive assistance to family caregivers. VA is expanding the program in accordance with section 161 of the VA MISSION Act of 2018.