VA Caregiver Support Program

Tips & Tools

Learn how you can protect, prepare and support yourself and your Veteran loved one through these challenging times with tips on Caregiving During COVID-19 (PDF) and Coronavirus FAQs page. For more information or support call us at 1-855-260-3274.

Let our collection of practical tools, tips, and information help you to care for yourself, care for your loved one, and stay organized. These resources were developed by VA’s Caregiver Support Program or partner organizations.

VA Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Caregivers

The VA Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Caregivers includes important information about suicide prevention, as well as evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder treatments that can help Veterans recover and meet their goals. This toolkit also offers resources that anyone can access in the event of a crisis. We also want to help you take care of yourself. Though you may be focused on caring for a Veteran, your own well-being is equally important. This toolkit equips you with information on self-care so that you can obtain additional support when you need it — helping you remain healthy and strong as you provide care.

Managing Medicines

• Medication Log (PDF)
• Preventing Medication Mishaps (PDF)
• Get the Facts on Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs
• Eight Opioid Safety Principles for Patients and Caregivers * (PDF)

Talking with Your Provider

• Tips for Communicating with Your Veteran's Health Care Team (PDF)
• Making the Most of Healthcare Visits (PDF)
• What to Do When The Veteran You Care For Is Hospitalized  (PDF)
• Crisis Symptom Reporting Guide  (PDF)

Caring for Oneself

Use this guide to monitor your daily signs of stress and to identify actions to help restore feelings of confidence, health, and wellbeing

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

Caring for your Finances

Video series to assist caregivers in establishing a budget, building an emergency fund, and getting an estate plan together.

Plan Ahead for Disasters

• Emergency Preparedness (SITE)
• Emergency Preparedness (PDF)

Staying Organized

• Patient File Checklist (PDF)
• Telephone Tips & Techniques for Accessing Resources (PDF)

Moving around Safely - (Video Series)

• Home Alone Alliance – Mobility Video Series *
• Preparing Your Home for Safe Mobility *
• Driving and Dementia (PDF)
• Getting from a Car to a Wheelchair *
• What to do when Someone Falls *
• Using a Walker or Cane and Navigating Stairs *
• Moving from a Walker to Shower or Bed *

Office of Rural Health - Caregivers "Dementia Video Series"

Title	Link to Video
Medication Issues for People with Dementia	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/mipm.asp
Recognizing and Managing Pain in People with Dementia	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/Rmppd.asp
Engaging People with Dementia in Meaningful Activities	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/Epdma.asp

Series Two: “Managing Dementia Behaviors: ABC’s for Caregivers”   

Title	Link to Video
Communicating with Someone with Dementia	https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/comm_selfcare_assemb.asp
Understanding the ABC’s of Dementia Behaviors	https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/understand.asp
ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #1	https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/abc_scenario1.asp
ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #2	https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/abc_scenario2.asp
ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #3	https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/abc_scenario3.asp

Series One: “Information and Support for In-Home Dementia Caregivers” 

Title	Link to Video
Communicating with Your Doctor	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module1.asp
Overview of Dementia	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module2.asp
Caring for the Caregiver	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module3.asp
Support Group	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module4.asp
Relaxation Techniques	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module5.asp
Visualization of Relaxation Techniques	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module5a.asp
Self-Care for the Caregiver	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module6.asp
Legal Issues	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module7.asp
Facing Legal Issues	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module8.asp
Communication	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module9.asp
Home Safety	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module10.asp
Home Safety Tips	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module11.asp
Problem Behaviors	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module12.asp
Dealing with Problem Behaviors	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module13.asp
Finding Caregiver Assistance	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module14.asp
Resources for Caregivers	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module15.asp
Implementing a Daily Plan	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module16.asp
Dealing with Incontinence	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module17.asp
Wandering	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module18.asp
Choosing a Nursing Facility	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module19.asp
Caregiving in a Nursing Home	http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/caregivers-module20.asp

PSA---Caregiver Support Line Video:  https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/VA_caregiver.asp

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Need Help?

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.

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 Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center.

Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Menu of Resources   

*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.