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Visory Health Veteran Community: Caregiver Support

Are you a caregiver for a Veteran and need additional information on VA Caregiver Support? In this blog, we will discuss caregiver resources and programs available through your local VA Medical Center.

VA Caregiver Support Programs (https://www.caregiver.va.gov)

The VA Caregiver Support Programs include The Program of General Caregiver Support Services and The Program for Comprehensive Assistance. Each program offers different services and requirements.

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

PGCSS offers services, including skill training, coaching, telephone support, and online programs to caregivers of Veterans of all eras enrolled in VA.
Caregivers within PGCSS are General Caregivers- a person who provides personal care services to a Veteran enrolled in VA health care who:

Needs assistance with one or more activities of daily living or
Needs supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological impairment or other impairment or injury.

PGCSS General Caregivers may have access to:

Training and support through in-person, online, and telehealth sessions.
Skills training focused on caregiving for a Veteran’s unique needs.
Individual support related to the care of a Veteran.
Respite care, a resource that offers medically and age-appropriate short-term services to eligible Veterans, allowing caregivers to take time for themselves. **The Veteran is cared for in a safe and caring environment during caregiver respite.
Peer Support Mentoring.

How To Access the PGCSS Program:

There is no formal application required to enroll in PGCSS. To enroll, complete the following steps:

Reach out to the facility CSP Team/Caregiver Support Coordinator or request a referral from the Veteran’s provider.
Complete an intake with the facility CSP Team/Caregiver Support Coordinator.
Enroll and begin to utilize the support and services offered.

**The Veteran receiving caregiver support services must be eligible for VA healthcare and will need to agree to receive care from you as their caregiver, as you will be listed in their healthcare record.

How Can PGCSS Help Me as a Caregiver?

PGCSS can help you as a caregiver by:

Providing clinical support based on your needs and requests.
Assist in identifying ways to decrease your burden and anxiety to better manage your frustrations and stress.
Help you best manage challenging behaviors or concerns.
Connect you with VA and community benefits and services.

The Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

This Department of Veterans Affairs Program offers enhanced clinical support for Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans. To learn more about the program, see the VA’s PCAFC Overview Video

What Services Does PCAFC Offer?

Veterans can designate one (1) Primary Family Caregiver and up to two (2) Secondary Family Caregivers on the application. Secondary Family Caregivers serve as a backup support to the Primary Family Caregiver when needed.

**Services will depend on whether you are the Primary Family Caregiver or a Secondary Family Caregiver.

If you are the primary caregiver, with the PCAFC you may receive:

A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)
Access to health care insurance through Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.
Mental health counseling.
Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. For specific details, please contact your CSP Team.
At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.

If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:

Mental health counseling.
Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. For specific details, please contact your local CSP Team.

Be sure to check www.caregiver.va.gov for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

Eligibility Criteria for the PCAFC

Veterans may be eligible for this clinical program if they:

If they sustained or aggravated a serious injury (or illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service during any service era.

Other eligibility criteria include:

A Veteran must have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more, AND

Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:

An inability to perform an activity of daily living
A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or
A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the Veteran to function in daily life, would be seriously impaired.

Family Caregiver Requirements For PCAFC

Must be at least 18 years of age

Be either:

The eligible Veterans’ spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family members or extended family member; OR Someone who lives with the eligible Veteran full-time or will do so if designated as a Family Caregiver.

Be either:

The eligible Veterans’ spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family members or extended family member.
Someone who lives with the eligible Veteran full-time or will do so if designated as a Family Caregiver.
Be initially assessed by the VA as someone who can complete caregiver education and training.
Complete caregiver training and demonstrate the ability to carry out the specific personal care services, core competencies, and additional care requirements.
In addition, there must be no determination by the VA of abuse or neglect of the eligible Veteran by the caregiver.

How do I apply for the PCAFC program?

Apply Online: VA Online Application (Equal to VA Form 10-10CG)

Download and print the application here: VA Form 10-10CG (PDF).

Mail the form and any supporting documents to:

-10-10CG Evidence Intake Center

PO Box 5154

Janesville, WI 53547-5154

Or Apply In Person: Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA facility’s CSP Team. Use the CSP Team Locator Tool, or Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274

**Do not send medical records along with the application.

To check the status of your application, call: 1-855-260-3274.

Visory Health Veteran Caregiver Support

At Visory Health, we support our Veteran and Caregiver Community. The information and links provided may assist you in understanding available Veteran and Caregiver resources, eligibility criteria, and ways to apply for assistance.

At Visory Health, we hear you and see you! We understand the need for help on your caregiver journey. As you care for our Veteran, continue to take care of yourself and use the Visory Health Discount Prescription Card to save money on your prescription medications.

Thank you for what you do for our heroes each and every day!

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To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

","disclaimer":"

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

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