VA Family and Caregiver Resources

VA Caregiver Support

VA has developed a list of family and caregiver resources, including call center information and community support services.  

Veteran caregivers face unique challenges with little or no medical and mental health training to support themselves and the Veteran in their care. These challenges can take an emotional, financial and physical toll on Veteran caregivers and their families. 

Veteran caregivers face unique challenges with little or no medical and mental health training to support themselves and the Veteran in their care. These challenges can take an emotional, financial and physical toll on Veteran caregivers and their families. 

Supporting others while also coping

Family members of Veterans are currently facing two challenges – supporting the Veteran they love, and coping with their own thoughts and feelings. VA has resources and information for both of these challenges, like Coaching into Care, which provides support and resources to families who don’t know where to start in supporting the Veteran they love, all the way to VA’s Caregiver Support Program that connects caregivers to one another to support each other as peers.  

“The most important thing we can do right now is connect. Talk to other families facing similar challenges, even families you haven’t reached out to in a while. Suggest that your Veteran reach out to some of their battle buddies. Access one of the many resources available through VA, DOD, or any of our many partners. You are not alone, and you do not need to face any of this alone.”

Federal Veteran Caregiver Resources 

VA Caregiver Support Resources: 

Building Better Caregivers: www.va.buildingbettercaregivers.org

  • Online workshop with 6 weekly self-paced lessons, facilitator guidance, group support and access to an alumni community for program graduates. 

Coaching into Care: Call 1-888-823-7458  

Coaching Into Care helps loved ones help Veterans | VAntage Point 

Coaching Into Care – MIRECC / CoE (va.gov) 

  • Coaching Into Care is a free service for people who are concerned about the Veterans in their lives. Licensed psychologists and social workers offer advice for starting the conversation with a Veteran about their mental health and motivating them to seek treatment if it’s needed.  

Vet Centers: Call 1-877-WAR-VETS 

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) Home (va.gov) 

  • Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.  

Survivors Assistance: www.va.gov/survivors

VA Welcome Kit and Quick Start Guide for Caregivers: www.va.gov/welcome-kit

VA.GOV: Access and manage your VA benefits and health care, including education and records www.va.gov.  

MyVA411: Dial 1-855-948-2311 (1-800-MyVA411). Callers have the option of pressing 0 to be immediately connected with a customer service agent to answer questions.  

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone. Send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. Start a confidential online chat session at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat

#VetResources: VA newsletter reaching more than 11 million Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. Resources, tools and tips for VA and community resources. Subscribe at www.va.gov/vetresources

Coronavirus Information: 

Department of Defense Caregiver Resource Directory lists national resources and programs that assist military caregivers, including helplines, training, caregiver support programs, financial support, and support for children’s needs. The directory is a free resource available for download. The DoD also offers peer forums and discussion groups for caregivers. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Community Living (HHS ACL): www.acl.gov

Community Veteran Caregiver Resources 

VA will continue to support our families and caregivers and share resources from VA and the community.

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Article Source
VAntage Point: Official Blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Source URL
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage
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