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VA Caregiver Support Program

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Resources for Caregivers

Art Journaling for Caregivers

From our Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) Innovative Staff, we present
Art Journaling for Caregivers:

What is Art Journaling?

Art journaling for caregivers brought to you by the VA Caregiver Support Program and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Art journaling benefits caregivers by lowering stress and boosting mood, decreasing feelings of isolation, promoting positive identity affirmation and improving cognitive functioning.

Art journaling workshops are now available through the Caregiver Support Program and participants can receive a creative arts workbook, try out fun and relaxing art journaling techniques, connect with other caregivers and engage in self-care all without leaving their home or care recipient.

Art journaling incorporates colors, images, patterns, and outside materials into traditional journaling styles. It's a fun, low pressure way to combine the introspective benefits of journaling with the creative benefits of art.

How can art journaling benefit caregivers - read more.

  • Creative arts have been shown to #1 lower stress and boost mood.
  • Caregiver quote I've been learning how drawing can be anmeditative practice, so when I'm stressed I've discovered how calming drawing can be.
  • Another caregiver quote, I'm learning things don't have to be perfect, and I'm enjoying life more that way. Art journaling can #2 decrease feelings of isolation.
  • Caregiver quote I can't get out of the house, and this is like being with other people. It feels like I got out of the house and interacted with others.
  • Art journaling can #3 promote positive identity affirmation, caregiver quote reigniting my creativity that I haven't used in a long time.
  • Once you start, it's opening the door. It's really something. I love it.
  • Another caregiver quote. My negative self talk improved 80%. Art journaling can also #4 improve cognitive functioning.
  • Caregiver quote.Thank you, thank you, thank you.I think it's a wonderful thing. Just again, I wanted to say thank you.

Creative Arts Workbook

Participants can receive a Creative arts workbook, try out fun and relaxing art journaling techniques, connect with other caregivers, and engage in self-care, all without leaving their home or care recipient. For those who are unable to join a virtual workshop, Creative Arts workbooks are also designed to be used independently at home, anytime, anywhere. For more information, please contact your local VA Caregiver Support Team.

"Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life." A quote from Pablo Picasso.

Virtual Creative Arts Workshops

Natalie Borges, from Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital,  developed the  Virtual Creative Arts Workshops for caregivers,  Her award winning video is now published to YouTube: https://youtu.be/T-TMAeSx1Jo  and publicly available to all caregivers.

2024 VHA Innovation Experience

The 2024 VHA Innovation Experience, held Oct. 29-30 in Chicago, celebrated the commitment and creativity of VA employees dedicated to advancing care for Veterans.
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Dr. Robert L. Jesse Award for Excellence in Innovation

Established in 2019, the Dr. Robert L. Jesse Award for Excellence in Innovation celebrates the legacy of a VA leader committed to enhancing health care quality and access for Veterans. This year’s awards highlighted winners in Clinical Excellence, Non-Clinical Excellence, and Team Excellence.

Natalie Borges, from Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, she is the recipient of the Non-Clinical Excellence Award. Borges developed Virtual Creative Arts Workshops for caregivers, offering them an outlet to relieve stress and improve mental well-being. Part of VA’s Caregiver Support Program, these workshops build community among caregivers and reduce stress, enhancing the support provided to Veterans. Borges’ work highlights the impact of non-clinical support on the overall health of Veterans and their families. Art journaling workshops are now available through the Caregiver Support Program and participants can receive a creative arts workbook, try out fun and relaxing art journaling techniques, connect with other caregivers and engage in self-care all without leaving their home or care recipient.

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, at your local VA Medical Center.

Your local Caregiver Support Team are licensed professionals 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.

Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

All the links marked with asterisk ( * ) are External links. By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

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