Tips & Tools
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.- PSA/Caregiver Support Line Video
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 these guides to monitor your daily signs of stress and to identify actions to help restore feelings of confidence, health, and wellbeing.- A Caregivers Journey to Self-Enrichment - Journal (PDF)
- Caregiver Workbook Module 1: Caregiver Self-Care (PDF)
- Self-Care Activities (SITE)
- Self-Care Assessment and Daily Attention Diary (PDF)
- Week 1 (PDF)
- Week 2 (PDF)
- Week 3 (PDF)
- Week 4 (PDF)
- Self-Care Reflection Worksheet (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
Moving around Safely - (Video Series)
- Home Alone Alliance – Mobility Video Series *
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”
PSA---Caregiver Support Line Video: https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/vets/VA_caregiver.asp
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.
