Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES)

What is CARES?
A comprehensive planning process that objectively evaluates future demand for veterans health care services against current supply and repositions Veterans Health Administration (VHA) assets to provide more accessible quality health care to more veterans.

Why was CARES Initiated?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system was designed and built decades ago when inpatient care was the primary focus, with long admissions for diagnosis and treatment. Changes in geographic concentrations of veterans and new methods of medical treatment also meant that VA's medical system was not providing care as efficiently as possible, and medical services were not always easily accessible.

How Do Veterans Benefit from CARES?
Once the CARES process is completed, VA will be able to provide accessible care to more veterans in the most convenient and appropriate setting. Any savings that result from the CARES process will be put back into the community to provide higher quality care and more services to more veterans. Outpatient and inpatient care will be enhanced, as well as special disability programs and long-term care.

VA will measure the progress of CARES through increased access to VA health care; the reduction in vacant, underused or excess space, and the success in matching health care services to veterans' locations and needs.

Changes will affect only the way VA delivers care - health care services will not be reduced. Changes recommended through the CARES process will not be immediate but will be carried out over a period of years.