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VeTALKX: Caregiver & Survivor Q&A with VA and Community Partners
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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.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
American Red Cross
Blue Star Families
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Responses: 32
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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
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
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).
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
Katherine Cook
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
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.
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
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VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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/).
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.