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VA Caregiver Support Program

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Resources for Caregivers

Respite Care

Respite care is a program that pays for care for a short time when family caregivers need a break, need to run errands, or need to go out of town for a few days. Respite Care can be helpful to Veterans of all ages, and their caregiver.

Types of Respite

There are three types of respite: self-guided, informal and formal

Self-guided respite includes:
Self-guided respite is the practice of building a self-focused activity into your normal day. An example of this could be waking up early or staying up later to engage in an activity that nurtures your spiritual, emotional or physical health. It could be as simple as taking a few moments to meditate or pray, take a walk, journal, or read a book.

Informal respite includes:
Informal respite is help from friends or loved ones. It can include direct assistance with caring for your Veteran or it could be assistance with other daily tasks. For example:
   • Your Veteran’s longtime friend might visit once or twice a week to talk or play games with them.
   • An adult family member might provide care for your Veteran while you attend your own medical appointment.
   • A neighbor might help you with grocery shopping, folding laundry, or mowing the lawn.

Formal respite care:
Formal respite care is short-term paid assistance from a professional. Formal respite care can be used to take a break, run errands, or take a vacation. How Formal Respite Care Works: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers caregivers two formal respite options through the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC).
    • In-Home Respite: a Home Health agency employee comes to a Veteran’s home to provide care or a Veteran attends an adult day health care program within their community.
    • Nursing Home Respite: a Veteran goes to a VA Community Living Center or a community nursing home.

Respite Resources

Respite - Veteran Focused Toolkit

This tool provides information specific to your Veteran. It provides guidance and  organization of the information needed to help someone new coming into your home understand the Veterans needs. Download the Repsite-Veterans Toolkit download button

Respite - Caregiver  Focused Toolkit

VA has created this tool to help you incorporate respite into your life. Respite care allows you, as a caregiver, time away from your caregiving responsibilities. Download the Respite - Caregivers Toolkit download button

Respite - Caregiver Tip Sheet

Respite Care in any of its forms can be helpful for both caregivers and the Veterans they care for. CSP is here to support you on your respite journey. Download the Respite - Caregivers Tip Sheet download button

VA Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) - Respite

Visit the VA Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) website for more information on how you, the caregiver, can utilize respite. https://www.va.gov/GERIARICS/pages/Respite_Care.asp icon_pro-web.png  

Respite for Military & Veteran Caregivers Course 

PsychArmor offers a free online course to help caregivers learn about respite and how to create a respite plan. Offered in three bite-sized video lessons, the course was created in collaboration with the VA Caregiver Support Program. Respite for Military & Veteran Caregivers (psycharmor.org*)icon_pro-web.png

VA Caregiver Support – Respite Care YouTube Videos

Watch these informative videos to learn more about respite and its benefits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYMl6cAjnVc&t=2s
-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZcmDRcxu6o 

Need Help?

CLS_Coordinator_badge80_80.jpgCall 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.

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Disclaimer: *Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.