|
VA’s Telephone Service Helps Family Members Encourage Veterans to Seek Medical Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a telephone service, Coaching into Care, to provide
assistance to family members and friends trying to encourage their Veteran to seek health care for possible readjustment and
mental health issues.
“Those closest
to Veterans are often the first to recognize when Veterans are having difficulties,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shinseki. “Family members and friends may not know what to say to encourage their Veterans to seek much needed
readjustment and health care. The Coaching into Care line will help them find the right words.”
To help Veterans address
problems and support Veterans in making decisions about getting care, the Coaching into Care program offers unlimited,
free coaching with family members or friends over a series of telephone calls. The priority is connecting Veterans with VA
care in their community through the family member’s help and encouragement. Callers receive professional coaching on
solving specific logistical obstacles and encouraging sometimes reluctant Veterans to seek care while still respecting the
Veteran’s right to make personal decisions.
Coaching into Care,
launched in March 2011, has had more than 650 calls with family members or friends of greater than 175 Veterans to encourage
them to seek care. This phone line is connected to VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, Caregiver Support Line, and the National
Call Center for Homeless Veterans. This way, if the caller or Veteran is in an immediate crisis, or has concerns regarding
caregiving for a disabled Veteran, or seeking assistance regarding homelessness, there is no wrong number for families to
call.
Callers can reach VA’s
Coaching into Care program at the toll-free number 1-888-823-7458 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mondays
through Fridays. As always, Veterans can reach immediate help at the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.
|
