Providence VA Medical Center, Rhode Island
Caregiver Support
PROVIDENCE VA MEDICAL CENTER OFFERINGS
Caregiver Dementia Support Drop-In Group: A group to support Caregivers of loved ones with dementia.
Meets 3rd Monday 10-30-11:30 5th floor Classroom 1. No appointment necessary.
REACH-VA: For Caregivers of Veterans with dementia or spinal cord injury/disorders that focuses on information, safety, caregiver health and emotional wellbeing and patient behavior management. Call for appointment.
There are many other programs and services offered outside the Caregiver Support Program. Call to discuss and sign up for any of the above offerings or learn more about other services and programs.
* RESOURCES WITHIN THE CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM *
Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
The Caregiver Support Line is a toll free number (1-855-260-3274) for Caregivers, Veterans and/or Community Partners to call for supportive counseling, information, education, referral to community local resources and/or Caregiver Support Coordinators.
Monthly Caregiver Support Line Education Calls:
Participate in calls focusing on strategies to enhance resilience and restore balance. The calls are facilitated by the VA Caregiver Support Line. Typically one topic is offered each month at different times.
Building Better Caregivers:
Building Better Caregivers™ (BBC) is a six-week online interactive workshop for Caregivers who are caring for someone with dementia, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, a serious brain injury, or any other serious injury or illness. BBC helps Caregivers in two key ways: it offers training in how to provide better care, and it also helps Caregivers learn how to manage their own emotions, stress and physical health.
Peer Support Mentoring Program:
Peer Support Mentoring Program is a program that matches Caregivers with peer mentors, who can provide personalized support, guidance and friendship, experience and knowledge, and wisdom and skills about thriving as a Caregiver.
Mental Health Services:
Individual Mental Health counseling on the topic of your choice is available for Caregivers of Post 9-11 Veterans. It is free of charge. It does not cover medication management or psychiatric hospitalization. Caregivers of All Era Veterans may be provided with consultation, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, training, and mental health services in connection with treatment of a disability for which the Veteran is receiving treatment.
Hero Miles Airline Flights for Respite Care:
It is the intent that the airline travel assistance will offer much-needed respite for Caregivers of seriously injured Post 9-11 Veterans. Submit your Hero Miles application to your Coordinator 5 weeks prior to travel. Your Coordinator can mail or email you a blank application.
Caregiver Website:
Go to www.caregiver.va.gov and sign up for email updates on caregiver topics. Look at the Diagnosis Care Sheets; download Everyday Tips and Checklists, read other Caregiver stories and more.
Caregiver Library:
Go to www.caregiverslibrary.org to view a vast array of articles, forms and links related to caregivers. This site has both great depth and breadth on most every aspect of caregiving. It was created by Family Care America, Inc.
Caregiver Self-Care Classes:
Four self-care classes are offered: Taking Care of Yourself, Managing Stress, Problem Solving/Effective Communication, and Utilizing Technology. Each class is 3 hours and will be held at the Medical Center or another convenient community location.
VA Multiple Sclerosis Family and Caregiver Conference Call:
The VA Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence host a family member and Caregiver conference call the fourth Monday of each month from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The call will offer a variety of educational topics and resources.
Caregiver Services
VA offers a number of services that can provide you with the support that's right for you. Whether you and the Veteran you care for could use some help at home or you just need someone to listen, we're here to support you. Follow the link to learn more about the variety of services available to Family Caregivers.
Services for Family Caregivers of Post-9/11 Veterans
If you are the Family Caregiver of a Veteran who was injured post-9/11, you may be eligible for additional services through VA, including a stipend, comprehensive training and medical coverage through VA if you are not already covered by a plan. Follow the link to learn more about the services and to see if you are currently eligible.
Questions?
Have questions about VA Caregiver Support Services? Contact VA's Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) or your local Caregiver Support Coordinator for assistance.
