Caregiver Corner

PROGRAM OF GENERAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides resources, education and support to caregivers of veterans. The veteran does not need to have a service-connected condition for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era. Caregivers who enroll in PGCSS have access to education and training, including courses at local VA medical centers. Caregivers can also participate in support services and take advantage of VA home and community-based care. Available classes include a six-week online workshop called Building Better Caregivers. Caregivers can connect with others in similar circumstances as they learn how to provide better care for their loved one and manage their own emotions and physical health.

The VA has videos about caring for someone with dementia at www.ruralhealth.va.gov. There’s also a free VA Caregiver Support Line that allows callers to speak to a licensed professional about the support available from the VA and in the community. Call toll-free at (855) 260-3274, Monday through Saturday.

BY TAMMY WARREN

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has two separate programs geared toward supporting caregivers, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance to Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). The VA recognizes the importance of family caregivers and has worked to expand the number of veterans who qualify for the service.

PROGRAM OF COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides resources, education, support and a financial stipend to caregivers of eligible veterans. Under some circumstances, caregivers may also be eligible for health insurance and reimbursement for beneficiary travel. PCAFC is for eligible veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, or on or after September 11, 2001. Veterans may be eligible for this program if they sustained or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty and meet both of the following criteria to be eligible for PCAFC:

• Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans

Affairs of 70% or more. This requirement is included in the definition of “serious injury.” • Require in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) or a need for supervision, protection or instruction. Activities of daily living include selfcare tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and going to the bathroom.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Wondering how enrolling in the VA Caregiver Support Program can help you as a caregiver? One of the caregivers who is currently enrolled in the program talked about some of the benefits she has experienced. She reports that she has gained access to so many resources not only from the VA but also non-VA national resources and local community resources as well. She says the Caregiver Support Program has kept her not only physically engaged but mentally as well. The biggest thing that brings her comfort is talking or being around other caregivers. She likes to hear them talk about their caregiving situations and learns from the different perspectives they each have. After listening to them, she doesn’t feel alone.

Tammy Warren, Department of Veterans Affairs, will tell us more about the services available for eligible caregivers. The Silver Linings video will be available on LIFE’s Facebook page on November 10.