VA Caregiver Support Program
Caregiver Support Line (CSL) - Monthly Educational Calls/Podcasts
CSL 2023-2024 Monthly Educational Call/Podcasts
October 2023 – Balance
At your Wits’ End: Regaining Equilibrium as a Parent and Family Caregiver
Caring for children while caring for your loved one has many challenges. This can be like balancing two full time jobs without any time off. In this group, we will talk about how you can get relief from the stress that comes with that by identifying your strengths and covering strategies and solutions for self-care.
• Tues 10/03/23 - 10am (9am Central, 8am MT, 7am Pacific, 6am Alaska, 4am Hawaii)
• Wed 10/11/23 - 7pm (6pm Central, 5pm MT, 4pm Pacific, 3pm Alaska, 1pm Hawaii)
• Wed 10/18/23 - 3pm (2pm Central, 1pm MT, 12pm Pacific, 11am Alaska, 9am Hawaii)
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
November 2023 - Communication
Choosing Your Words: Harnessing the Power of Communication
It is important for caregivers to learn how to say what they need. In this group, we will discuss steps to speak up for yourself and your loved one with clear messages. Speaking directly will build a bond with others. We will review the art of choosing your words and communicating effectively in order to best express and get your needs met.
• Tues 11/07/23 - 10am (9am Central, 8am MT, 7am Pacific, 6am Alaska, 4am Hawaii)
• Wed 11/15/23 - 7pm (6pm Central, 5pm MT, 4pm Pacific, 3pm Alaska, 1pm Hawaii)
• Wed 11/22/23 - 3pm (2pm Central, 1pm MT, 12pm Pacific, 11am Alaska, 9am Hawaii)
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
December 2023 – Managing the Holidays
Finding Comfort in the Healing Gifts of the Season
The holiday season is a time of year that you can experience extra demands and expectations. In this group we will discuss how you can enjoy the simple pleasures that can give you comfort. We will also talk about different ways you can connect with others for support. Reaching out to others can bring healing. Remember what matters to you, take time to slow down and focus on the simple joys of the season. The benefits of the season can last through the year.
• Tues 12/05/23 - 10am (9am Central, 8am MT, 7am Pacific, 6am Alaska, 4am Hawaii)
• Wed 12/13/23 - 7pm (6pm Central, 5pm MT, 4pm Pacific, 3pm Alaska, 1pm Hawaii)
• Wed 12/20/23 - 3pm (2pm Central, 1pm MT, 12pm Pacific, 11am Alaska, 9am Hawaii)
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
January 2024 - Self-Care
Focusing on the Forgotten Me
Taking care of yourself may take a backseat as you take care of others. Taking the time for “self-care” or care of yourself allows you to in fact take the best care of your loved one. In this group we will review signs of stress, barriers to self-care and strategies to combat these barriers. Let’s look at small ways to start committing to self-care. This group will conclude with a visualization exercise to help you relax.
• Tues 1/02/24 - 10am (9am Central, 8am MT, 7am Pacific, 6am Alaska, 4am Hawaii)
• Wed 1/10/24 - 7pm (6pm Central, 5pm MT, 4pm Pacific, 3pm Alaska, 1pm Hawaii)
• Wed 1/17/24 - 3pm (2pm Central, 1pm MT, 12pm Pacific, 11am Alaska, 9am Hawaii)
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
February 2024 – Love
Leaning Into Love: Building Strong Relationship Bonds
Strong relationships can be hard to maintain. Physical and mental health problems can strain relationships and make it hard to keep the bond strong. This group will present simple tools to help you manage conflict and build your relationship bond. Listen in and build your skills for restoring your loving connection.
• Tues 2/06/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 2/14/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 2/21/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 2/27/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
March 2024 - Depression
Beyond the Blues: Coping with Caregiver Depression
Are you a caregiver that is carrying the heavy weight of depression? Caregivers are at least two times more apt to suffer from depression than others. Depression is an illness not a reflection of your strength as a person. Depression is not a sign of being weak. You wouldn’t think you were weak because you had any other medical illness. Depression that isn’t treated harms your thoughts, feelings and physical health. Don’t ignore this serious medical concern!
• Tues 3/05/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 3/13/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 3/20/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 3/26/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
April 2024 - Money Management
Let’s Talk About Money: Managing Your Financial Reality
Many caregivers have given up jobs to care for their Veteran loved one. Many caregivers live on a fixed income. Managing your finances on a fixed income can be a challenge. Some caregivers must depend on the Veterans income to meet their needs. Take charge of your financial situation, whatever it may be. In this group, we will cover some strategies to empower you to take charge of your financial life.
• Tues 4/02/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 4/10/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 4/17/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 4/23/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
May 2024 - Burn Out
Burnt Out? OK, Now What?
Are you a caregiver that feels tired of caring? Do you feel like running away from the demands of your daily life? This group will help you explore how you got to this point of burn out. It will also offer some tips on how to manage your commitments and still find time to take care of you.
• Tues 5/07/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 5/15/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 5/22/24 - 3pm (2pm Central, 1pm MT, 12pm Pacific, 11am Alaska, 9am Hawaii)
∗ Tues 5/28/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
June 2024 - Caregiving for Mental Health
Balance in the Eye of the Storm: Self-Care when Caring for a Loved One with Mental Health Concerns
Storms are common when caring for someone with mental health issues. There can be regular disruptions. You may be uncertain what each day will be like. This can challenge your ability to stay steady and balanced. This group aims to develop tools to help you cope.
• Tues 6/04/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 6/12/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 6/26/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 6/25/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
July 2024 – Roles in Relationships
Dual Caregivers: Surviving and Conquering the Challenges
Everyone has a number of natural roles or relationships that you manage and balance. These roles and relationships may change as a result of becoming a caregiver. Let’s take a look at ways to manage your responsibilities while also taking care of yourself. We will focus on developing a plan for support individual to you including those in your local community all the way up to larger, national resources. You are not alone! There are ways to help manage your responsibilities while also taking care of yourself.
• Tues 7/09/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 7/17/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 7/24/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 7/30/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
August 2024 – Setting Boundaries
Setting Boundaries: Defining What is Best for You, the Caregiver
A boundary is a border or limit, which you set in order to protect yourself. Personal boundaries may be physical or emotional. In this group we will delve into barriers and benefits of setting boundaries and lay out a series of steps to setting healthy boundaries with others in your life.
• Tues 8/06/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 8/14/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 8/21/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 8/27/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
September 2024 – Identify as a Caregiver
Good Grief: Finding Hope in the Necessary Losses of Being a Caregiver
As a Caregiver you have made changes and adjustments in your life. You may not have noticed that some of the adjustments you have made may also be a loss. Each loss is important as it has affected you as a person. In this group, we will work to identify the losses experienced due to a caregiving role and review healthy coping skills when dealing with loss of identity.
• Tues 9/03/24 - 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific, 6 a.m. Alaska, 5 a.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 9/11/24 - 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Central, 5 p.m. Mountain, 4 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Alaska, 2 p.m. Hawaii)
• Wed 9/18/24 - 3 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, 12 p.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Alaska, 10 a.m. Hawaii)
∗ Tues 9/24/24 - 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Alaska, 8 a.m. Hawaii) *Presented in Spanish
Download: Audio | Transcript | Handout
- Access CSL - Handouts.
Need Help?
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you, and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team/Coordinator, at your local VA Medical Center.
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