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VA Caregiver Support Program

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Self-Care Activities

Caregiver Self-Care Activities

We honor the efforts of Veteran caregivers.  Each day you support the health and wellbeing of our nations’ Veterans. This daily effort can take a toll on your wellbeing. These materials can help you become more aware of the stress you face. They can also help you see how it has taken a toll on your relationships and your general wellbeing.  Please review the materials below. They can help you find ways to care for yourself and  support healthy relationships.

Building on the Small Moments of Self-Care

These materials provide a review of how stress may can impact your wellbeing. There is a wealth of activities to support your self-care.  Take some moments each day for self-care. A month of self-care daily reflections are provided to support you. Give yourself the gift of a month filled with daily small moments of attention to you.

Self-Care Assessment and Daily Attention Diary (PDF)

Once you complete this month-long diary, review your progress and goals with this worksheet.  Post Month Self-Care Reflection Worksheet (PDF)

A Caregivers Journey to Self-Enrichment Journal

Give yourself the gift of time to quietly contemplate the prompting questions in this journal.  Our hope is that this offers you an opportunity to find clarity, direction, and greater insight into the unique and treasured gift that you are.  Enjoy the exploration!  A Caregivers Journey to Self-Enrichment - Journal (PDF)

Caregivers Grateful Life Booklet

Why is the Grateful Life Booklet important for caregivers? Practicing gratitude with a tool like the Grateful Life Booklet may help increase joyfulness, lower your stress, decrease depression, improve your sleep, and improve your relationships. It helps with so many aspects of life that may be impacted by caregiver stress.  Caregivers Grateful Life - Booklet (PDF)

Caregiver Connections Your Source of Strength and Support

We all need support and connection to others.  You can grow your network of supports. You can nurture your current relationships, so they are a greater source of support.  Invest in this critical life force for your wellbeing. You deserve the gift of connection!  Caregiver Connections Your Source of Strength and Support (PDF)

Caregiver Workbook Module 1: Caregiver Self-Care

Caregiver Workbook Module 1: Caregiver Self-Care (PDF)

Relaxation Exercises

Taking time for yourself is so important. It may not always be easy to find the time to care for you. Just a few minutes a day participating in a relaxation activity can help caregivers feel restored. Invest of few minutes of your time to listen to a guided meditation. Sit back, relax, and allow this exercise to help restore your balance. Select a link below to listen.

  • Body Scan Meditation: Awareness and Healing of the Physical Body
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Finding Calm and Acceptance in the Present Moment
  • Relationship Meditation: Restoring Loving-Kindness to Yourself and Your Significant Other
  • Visualization Meditation: A Soothing Journey Created by the Gift of Imagination


You deserve to care for you as you care for your Veteran!
Thank You, for all that you do!


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To assist you with enrolling in these programs, contact your local VA facility CSP Team, or call the VA Caregiver Support Line(CSL) at 1-855-260-3274.

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

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