Caregiver Support Line                                            On February 1, 2011, VA launched the National Caregiver Support Line. The toll-free number (1–855–260–3274) is available to family members, loved ones, or friends who provide care for Vets living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging.                                                                                                            What is a Caregiver and Are You One? Caregivers assist those who are chronically ill, disabled, or are getting older and are no longer able to care for themselves.  Caregiving includes helping with personal needs or household chores, as well as managing a person's finances, arranging for outside services, or visiting regularly to see how the individual is doing.  Caregivers are generally unpaid family members or friends (though they may be paid professionals) who provide care to their loved one.  You do not need to live with a person to be considered a caregiver and many people who serve as a caregiver do not recognize themselves as such – you may simply think you’re "helping out."                                                           If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are a caregiver.  Do you feel responsible for providing support to a loved one? Do you help out a loved one around the home, with cooking or cleaning, even if only on an occasional basis? Do you take your loved one to run errands and/or escort them to medical appointments? Would your loved one call you in an emergency and expect your prompt assistance? Do you provide support or assistance to a loved one living in long-term care, assisted living, or a residential facility? Without assistance, caregivers may experience stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, financial challenges, or neglect their personal health.  VA is here to help you balance your life and achieve greater personal satisfaction with your role as a caregiver.                       For assistance today, call 855-260-3274.

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