VA Caregiver Support Program
Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health (REACH) VA Program
REACH VA
Caregiving can be challenging. The REACH VA (PDF) program provides support for caregivers:
- REACH VA’s one-on-one and group coaching can help Veterans Caregivers practice stress and mood management techniques.
- Understanding the care recipient’s condition (teaches caregivers the skills needed to take care of their veteran.)
- Veterans Caregivers can be paired with a trained and certified coach to support their care of Veterans living with dementia, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Care planning.
REACH VA Program - Sessions
Caregivers will develop skills in problem solving, positive thinking, and stress management. The REACH VA Program has been shown to decrease caregiver depression, burden, and frustrations, and reduce the number of challenging problems reported. REACH VA sessions are customized for each caregiver. The material is tailored to caregivers based on assessments of where they need the most help.
The trained and certified REACH VA Program Coach usually provides four individual sessions with the Caregiver over a period of 2 to 3 months, extending the number of sessions if both the Coach and Caregiver feel there is more work to do. The sessions normally last about an hour each and may be held face to face, over the telephone, or over telehealth video conferencing.
REACH VA Caregiver - Telephone Support Groups
REACH VA Caregiver Telephone Support Groups for caregivers teach valuable skills in a group format to help with problem solving, stress management and positive thinking. The Telephone Support Group Leader works with a group of caregivers to learn better ways to deal with challenges and find time to care for you as well.
REACH VA Program - Eligibility
REACH VA is available for caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA's Caregiver Support Program. Caregivers receive a Caregiver Notebook, which is the first resource for caregivers' issues and challenges for stress management, mood management, and problem solving. REACH VA is available for caregivers of Veterans diagnosed with: ALS, Dementia, MS, PTSD, or Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder.
Reach out to your Caregiver Support Team to learn more about the REACH VA Program
Need Help?
Your local CSP Team/Caregiver Support Team 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.
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the CSP Team/Caregiver Support Team at your local VA facilities.
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