VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Events
Welcome to the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Events Page!
Check out the list below and contact your local Veteran Affairs medical center (VAMC) Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)/Caregiver Support Program (CSP) team to find events coming to a location near you! CSCs/CSP teams can be found using the locator tool: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.
Events for Caregivers and Families
Peer Support Mentoring Program – Spirituality Calls
The VA Peer Support Mentoring (PSM) Program and the National Chaplain Office will be hosting a 12-month series addressing spiritualty and caregiving. These calls are open to caregivers of Veterans enrolled in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) or the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Calls will be held on the first Friday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST., and will be hosted on WebEx using the dial-in information below. There is NO registration required. Meeting Call in number: USA Toll-free Number 1-833-558-0712. Meeting number (access code): 2762 030 9378
Topics
- October 2021 - Spirituality and Self Care
- November 2021 -Remembrance Call
- December 2021 - Spirituality and Holiday Stressors
- January 2022 - Spirituality and Renew and Recharge
- February 2022 - Spirituality and Lifestyle Change
- March 2022 - Spirituality: Finding Meaning and Purpose
- April 2022 - Spirituality and PTSD
- May 2022 - Spirituality and Respite
- June 2022 - Spirituality and Summer Safety Tips
- July 2022- To be announced
- August 2022 - Spirituality and Grief
- September 2022 - Spirituality and Self Reflection
Informal and Informativem Peer Support Mentoring (PSM) Telephone Group Calls for Spanish Speaking Caregivers
Listen to a caregiver share their journey. Be inspired and reassured that you are not alone! Open discussion to follow. These calls are open to caregivers of Veterans enrolled in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) or the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Upcoming Peer Support Mentoring (PSM) Program Calls for Spanish Speaking Caregivers
- December 8, 2021 -Caregiver Point of View – What is it to be a Caregiver?
Telephone Support Group Calls - Flyer English
Your local CSC/CSP team can assist you with finding more information about available informal and informative telephone group calls within PSM.
Programa de Tutoría de Apoyo de Pares-Llamadas grupales telefónicas informales e informativas del Programa de Mentoría entre Compañeros del Programa de Apoyo al Cuidador en Español
Escuche a un cuidador compartir su viaje. ¡Inspírese y asegúrese de que no está solo/a! Una discusión abierta seguirá. Eastas llamadas están abiertas a los cuidadores de veteranos. Matricularse en el Programa General de Servicios de Apoyo Para Cuidadores (Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)) o el Programa de Asistencia Completa para Cuidadores Familiares, (Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)).
Proxima Programa de Mentoría entre Compañeros del Programa de Apoyo al Cuidador en Español
- 8,de Diciembre de 2021, Punto de vista del cuidador - ¿Qué es ser un cuidador?
Llamadas de grupo de soporte telefónico - Flyer Spanish
Caregiver Support Line Education Calls
The VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) offers free, monthly one-hour telephone education calls for caregivers. These group sessions focus on topics important to caregivers with a different topic presented each month. Caregivers learn about communication skills, building relationships and connections, self-care, and much more. 
To register for monthly education calls, contact us at 1-855-260-3274.
Caregivers who are unable to attend the calls can access presentations online at www.caregiver.va.gov/support-line/presentations.asp.
Upcoming CSL Education Calls
Chronic illness can wear at the threads that hold a quality life together and can be a burden for the person who is ill and their loved ones. Improving the quality of life is the goal of palliative care. They specialize in managing the symptoms and the pain of these illnesses. These providers also support the family and those who care for the person who is ill, helping them all cope with the challenges they face. This group explores the role and benefits of receiving palliative care treatment.
October 2021- Finding Your Voice: Self-Advocacy in Medical Settings
Caregivers do a great job advocating for Veterans. At times, it may be challenging to focus attention to their own care needs which can result in a caregiver’s own health being compromised. We will look at some of the hurdles caregivers may face in getting their own needs met. Tips and ideas will be shared on how to discuss these needs with medical staff.
- October 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. CT; 8:00 a.m. MT; 7:00 a.m. Pacific)
- October 13, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. EST (6:00 p.m. CT; 5:00 p.m. MT; 4:00 p.m. Pacific)
- October 20, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. CT; 1:00 p.m. MT; 12:00 p.m. Pacific)
November 2021- Preserving Caregivers on the Front
The role of being a caregiver calls you to focus on the person who needs care instead of yourself. Your self-care can be neglected, regardless of if the Veteran for whom you provide care has nonstop or periodic care needs. It is this loss of attention to self that can place caregivers at risk. This group strives to bring the needed attention back to the caregiver. Self-care tools such as mindfulness are discussed. These tools are aimed at supporting the wellbeing of those caring for a Veteran.
- November 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. CT; 8:00 a.m. MT; 7:00 a.m. Pacific)
- November 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. EST (6:00 p.m. CT; 5:00 p.m. MT; 4:00 p.m. Pacific)
- November 17, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. CT; 1:00 p.m. MT; 12:00 p.m. Pacific)
December 2021- Beyond the Blues: Coping with Caregiver Depression
Are you a caregiver who is carrying the heavy weight of depression? Caregivers are at least two times more likely to suffer from depression than non-caregivers. Depression is an illness that if left unaddressed, can negatively impact your thoughts, feelings, and physical health. Self-care tools, strategies, and treatment options for managing depression will be discussed.
- December 7, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. CT; 8:00 a.m. MT; 7:00 a.m. Pacific)
- December 15, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. EST (6:00 p.m. CT; 5:00 p.m. MT; 4:00 p.m. Pacific)
- December 22, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. CT; 1:00 p.m. MT; 12:00 p.m. Pacific)
Caregiver and Family Resource Fairs
Annual Caregiver Family and Resource Fairs are held at every VAMC. The purpose of resource fairs is to help caregivers connect with a variety of resources, programs, and services at one event. Resource fairs have information and representatives from VA programs, local area non-profits and community agencies to help caregivers learn about is available resources to support them. All caregivers and families are welcome to attend. Contact your local CSC/CSP team for more information about resource fairs using the locator tool: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.
Virtual Learning Experience
CSP virtual learning experience series to be posted in the future. Join CSP for a great opportunity to learn more about how we can support you as a caregiver.
Events for VA, Community Providers, & other Professionals - (Veteran Service Organizations, Community Agencies, Non-Profits)
Caregiver Summits
Each VAMC hosts an annual CSP Caregiver Summit to better understand the needs of caregivers in the local community and identify both gaps and available resources. Caregiver Summits bring together VA, local area non-profits and community agency participants. Together, these entities collaborate, share information, and network, on behalf of caregivers. If you are a provider or other community entity who is interested in supporting caregivers, contact your local CSC/CSP team for more information about summits in your area by using the locator tool: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.
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.
VA CSL Expanded hours:
-Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET
-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
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.
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