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VA to Take Applications
for New Family Caregiver Program VA Implementing Enhancements to Existing Services for Veterans and Their Caregivers
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the interim final rule for
implementing the Family Caregiver Program of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010. This new rule will
provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary
Family Caregiver.
“We at VA know that every day is a challenge for
our most seriously injured Veterans and their Family Caregivers,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “I
know many Veterans and their Family Caregivers have been waiting anxiously for this day and I urge them to get their applications
in as soon as possible so they can receive the additional support they have earned.”
On May 9, staff in VA’s Office of Care Management
and Social Work will open the application process for eligible post-9/11 Veterans and Servicemembers to designate their Family
Caregivers. Additional services for primary Family Caregivers
of eligible post-9/11 Veterans and Servicemembers include a stipend, mental health services, and access to health care insurance,
if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health care plan. Comprehensive Caregiver training and medical
support are other key components of this program. The program builds on the foundation of Caregiver support now provided at
VA and reflects what families and clinicians have long known; that Family Caregivers in a home environment can enhance the
health and well-being of Veterans under VA care. Starting
May 9th, Veterans may download a copy of the Family Caregiver program application VA CG 10-10. The application
enables the Veteran to designate a primary Family Caregiver and secondary Family Caregivers if needed. Caregiver Support
Coordinators are stationed at every VA medical center and via phone at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) to assist Veterans and their
Family Caregivers with the application process.
“Providing support to Family Caregivers who sacrifice so much to allow Veterans to remain at home surrounded by their loved ones, is very important to us at VA. We offer a range of Caregiver support services including training, counseling and respite care to ensure that our caregivers have the tools and support they need to continue in their care giving role,” said Deborah Amdur, VA’s Chief Consultant for Care Management and Social Work. “We appreciate the patience, support and assistance we have received from Veterans, Veterans Service Organizations, and the greater Caregiver community in shaping this program and bringing this new VA program to our wounded warriors and their dedicated Family Caregivers.” |
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