Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

VA Caregiver Support Program

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Resources for Caregivers

Virtual Care - Resources for Caregivers

Caregivers work hard to make sure Veterans receive the care they need. VA virtual care tools can make that work easier. Whether you’re a Veteran’s family member or a professional caregiver, VA has virtual care tools to help you on your journey.

Here are four VA resources that can help as you care for the Veteran in your life—and yourself.

Annie for Veterans

VA’s automated text messaging service is not just for Veterans. Caregivers can also receive Annie’s caregiver support texts to help reduce stress and feel less alone.

The stress management subscription is one of Annie’s most popular features among caregivers. These text messages include tips and activities—such as breathing exercises and motivational messages—to lift your spirits during the day.

You can also opt in to subscriptions about dementia, PTSD and Parkinson’s disease. These messages provide education and advice so that you can better understand and interact with the Veteran in your care.  You may stop the service at any time.  Caregivers need a phone capable of text messaging to enroll.

Learn more about Annie’s features on the Annie for Veterans app page.  If you want to sign up for Annie, contact your local Caregiver Support Program Team.

Ask a Pharmacist

Have questions while you’re setting up a pill organizer? The Ask a Pharmacist app provides you with trusted information about medications and VA pharmacies. Anyone can access the medication information so you can learn how to read prescription bottle labels and identify pills by sight.

Ask a Pharmacist provides a link to My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. A Veteran with a My HealtheVet account can use their secure sign-in credentials to refill VA prescriptions, send a secure message to their pharmacist and more.

To launch the app in your browser, visit the Ask a Pharmacist app page.

Mindfulness Coach

Caregiving can be hard on your mental health. The Mindfulness Coach app is designed to help you be present in the moment without passing judgment. A mindfulness practice can reduce your stress, anxiety and depression. It also benefits your concentration, sleep and self-awareness.

Mindfulness Coach offers a series of simple exercises that can help you integrate mindfulness into your life—starting at just one minute per day. You can save your favorite exercises, learn about different styles of mindfulness and track progress toward your mental health goals.

To download the app, visit the Mindfulness Coach app page.

VA Video Connect’s “Caregiver Connect”

VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app, makes it easy for caregivers to join health care appointments. Veterans can invite up to five family members or caregivers to an appointment. All they need to do is ask about the Caregiver Connect option at scheduling. Veterans can also invite caregivers to an in-progress video visit. The VA provider will use the Invite Participants feature, and the invitation is sent immediately through an email or text message.

To learn more about this option, read the Caregiver Connect fact sheet or go to /CAREGIVER/support/VA-Video-Connect.asp
To download the app, visit the VA Video Connect app page.

VA Virtual Care Tools

Learn more about VA’s virtual care tools, visit the Connected Care website.

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, at your local VA Medical Center.

Your local Caregiver Support Team are licensed professionals who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.

Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

All the links marked with asterisk ( * ) are External links. By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

return to top go