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On November 16th the Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation were here to answer questions about caregiver support, survivor resources, benefits, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
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Responses: 31
G J
My question is for Leah Christensen:
I was accepted into the CSP during the last months of my spouse’s life. I was pleased to see there were resources, information, and support finally available to me. After having been a caregiver for many years prior, I wondered why this program was not available to ALL caregivers? After all, joining a zoom call or having access to workshops and information on the basics of caregiving and self-care through the process didn’t seem like something that should be a secret to everyone. Does the VA have plans to allow ALL caregivers to participate? If not, why not? What does it really cost for another caregiver so “sit in” on a meeting?! Although I am grateful for the program, quite frankly I could have used the information at the start of the caregiving journey and am disappointed for my fellow caregivers that remain unsupported when they need it the most.
Leah Christensen
Leah Christensen
12 mo
SGT Elbert Joseph - SGT Elbert Joseph, thank you for your service and for providing care to your Veteran. VA CSP has two different programs to offer support to all era Veterans, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Program for General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). Please reach out to your local facility CSP team https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp and check out the information available on https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ for eligibility criteria for both programs.
Leah Christensen
Leah Christensen
12 mo
PO3 Shawn Standley - Thank you for your service PO3 Standley. There are resources available to you in Arkansas! Please use the CSC Locator Tool (linked below) to contact the Caregiver Support Program team to learn more about all of the great resources available for VA caregivers. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
AB Bonnie Carroll
AB Bonnie Carroll
12 mo
Finding information can be so frustrating, especially when you're caring for another. In addition to the VA programs, there is excellent caregiver support available through the Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN).

Information can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/), and the Rosalynn Carter Institute (https://rosalynncarter.org/).
J Mac
J Mac
12 mo
Leah Christensen - Thank you for your response. I think the problem is often communication and the dissemination of information within the VA system. Those programs may have been available to me, but during 5 years of caregiving, no one within the system told me about them. I found them by accident. My focus was on my spouse's care, getting him to appointments, etc., and the information was not readily available or widely known. It's clear that lack of communication is a major reason why caregivers are slipping through the cracks and not getting the help and support they need to care for their loved one.
SSG Dalia Cox
My question is to Leah Christensen.
I'm a Post 9-11 legacy participant in the caregiver program. I'm part of the 90% of legacy veterans whose eligibility will end in 2025. I'm a Combat wounded veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.
My question is, why did the VA caregiver program decide that those of us in the legacy program required a review to establish eligibility. I'm 100% P&T. 00 % for PTSD by itself. A Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as more than 25 surgeries on both legs and upper body. Can you explain how mental health was not included in the eligibility questionares.
Leah Christensen
Leah Christensen
12 mo
SSG Cox, thank you for reaching out. Information on the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, including eligibility, can be found here: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp. Please note that on March 25, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision that set aside VA's definition of “need for supervision, protection, or instruction.” As a result of this decision, VA has made changes to the criteria used to evaluate eligibility for PCAFC when making determinations issued under PCAFC regulations that became effective on October 1, 2020. This is the only criteria that has changed. More information can be found by visiting: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Announcements.asp
G J
I was a caregiver and participant in the CSP. When my spouse deceased, I was disappointed to learn that there were no viable grief support opportunities within the VA structure. I am curious as to what plans the VA has to implement worthwhile programs for “caregivers to survivors” that are commensurate with the level and duration necessary for healing.
J Mac
J Mac
12 mo
AB Bonnie Carroll - TAPS is one of the reasons why I have found some healing in this process. I feel the VA has a direct responsibility to do the same and should be leading the charge.
AB Bonnie Carroll
AB Bonnie Carroll
12 mo
J Mac - Thank you for sharing. TAPS is so honored to walk with you on your grief journey. TAPS is here for you and survivors of all eras and all relationships at http://www.taps.org or [login to see] (TAPS).
Katherine Cook
Katherine Cook
12 mo
Leah Christensen - thanks Leah the VA center in California close to me. in Windsor is not on the list and the others are to far away. I appreciate your prompt reply.
AB Bonnie Carroll
AB Bonnie Carroll
12 mo
Elaine Ketcham - Please let me offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your precious husband. Having been accepted into the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) before his passing, we hope you were able to access some of the clinical and support programs available through CSP, such as education and training, mental health counseling, respite care, and other services. In terms of grief support programs, the VA partners with organizations like TAPS, who recognize the differences present when someone has been a caregiver before they have transitioned to a survivor to guide the peer support services, programs and referrals we provide to you. Please visit our Caregiver to Survivor webpage for more information and support services, https://www.taps.org/caregiver.

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