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VA Caregiver Support Program

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Inclusive Care

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A Joint Initiative of the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and
the Elizabeth Dole Foundation


What is Inclusive Care?
Inclusive Care is a system-wide approach to Veteran care that embraces, engages, and empowers caregivers, clinicians, and Veterans throughout the entire care journey.

  • It is truly team-based, with care being a partnership among the clinical Veteran care team and caregivers.
  • Inclusive Care increases the capacity and competency of the entire care team to deliver appropriate, effective, and high-value services.
  • The goals of Inclusive Care include improving health outcomes and quality of life for Veterans and caregivers.

Resources
Click on the below resources for more information about the benefits of Inclusive Care:

Inclusive Care Overview      https://iop.med.va.gov/hub2/app/planResources/IHC050XU/Campaign%20for%20Inclusive%20Care%20Overview.pdf#(PDF)

Podcast: 3EP3: VA’s Campaign for Inclusive Care and Equity
     https://www.va.gov/HEALTHEQUITY/Podcast/index.asp 

Peer Reviewed Publications
Click on the articles below:

Health Affairs Research Article
           https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00012*

 

REMEMBER, CARE

CONSIDER
Consider who else needs to be present. Ask the Veteran “Is there anyone you would like in the room during your visit?” “Is there anyone who you rely on for support that you would like to have here as part of this conversation about planning your care? “ or  “Is there someone who helps you with your everyday medical needs? “Do not assume the Veteran can handle their medical care by themselves. Ask them directly to ensure clarity.

ACKNOWLEDGE
Recognize that the Veteran’s caregiver has taken on extra work, and that it will impact their wellness. Empathetic remarks such as “I imagine it’s a big responsibility to care for your loved one“ and “I appreciate your dedication to their health” can go a long way to establish rapport.

REVIEW ROLE
Determine the responsibilities that the caregiver is comfortable with. Questions for the caregiver can include “what task are easy for you to perform?” and “Are there any duties that cause you to feel uneasy while you are performing them?” Early identification of what the caregiver can and can’t do will help ensure that the Veteran achieves their highest possible level of health and well-being.

ENCOURAGE
Find out any barriers that exist and how you can help overcome them to make the caregiver’s responsibilities easier. Simple question such as “How can I help with your at home responsibilities for a Veteran? “ and “What would make taken care of your veteran simpler?” If you believe the caregiver could benefit from additional supports, refer to the Caregiver Support Program at your facility and encourage the caregiver to use the free caregiver support line: 1–855–260–3274


website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ *

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.

Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional 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.


Disclaimer: *Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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