Honoring National Family Caregiver Month: Celebrations, Resources, and Capturing the Moments

Recognizing the Importance of Family Caregivers

In celebration of National Family Caregiver Month, it is essential to recognize the invaluable role that caregivers play in our society. These dedicated individuals selflessly provide care and support to their loved ones, often without seeking recognition or appreciation.

One particular group of caregivers that deserves special recognition is the Veteran caregivers. These remarkable individuals devote themselves to caring for our nation's veterans, ensuring they receive the support they need after sacrificing so much for our country. Our VA Caregiver Support Program is instrumental in providing resources and assistance to these caregivers, recognizing the immense impact they have on the lives of Veterans and their families.

Resource Fairs: Connecting Family Caregivers with Essential Support Services and Information

Our VA Caregiver Support Program hosted two resource fairs held at our Marion, Illinois, and Evansville, Indiana locations.

Over 40 community partners were invited onto our campuses to share their resources to the Veterans, caregivers, and their families. The wide range of support services offered at resource fairs ensures that family caregivers have access to vital resources such as respite care options, counseling services, financial planning guidance, educational programs, and more. By bringing together multiple organizations under one roof, these events create an environment where caregivers can easily navigate through the available resources and find the help they need.

We understand that it takes a community to provide the best care.

Celebratory Ceremonies: Commemorating the Dedication and Sacrifice of Family Caregivers

In addition to the resource fairs, we simultaneously held Caregiver Celebration events at our Illinois and Indiana locations.

We feel that it is important that we show our gratitude and appreciation for family caregivers across all walks of life. They deserve recognition for their unwavering commitment, compassion, and sacrifice.

Capturing Moments: Preserving Memories through Photography and Videos

One very unique way that we were wanting to show our appreciation to the Veteran Caregivers was to offer them an opportunity to have a professional photo taken of the Veteran with their caregiver. The photos were taken and shared digitally with the participants as a parting thank you for what they do for our Veterans.

Some Veterans and caregivers even recorded short video messages of appreciation that were played in the days leading up to Veterans day and throughout the National Family Caregivers Month.

Let us take this opportunity during National Family Caregiver Month to express our gratitude for all caregivers who go above and beyond in capturing moments and preserving memories. Their commitment enriches lives, strengthens bonds, and leaves a lasting legacy that will be cherished by generations to come.

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The Marion VAMC Caregiver Support Program (CSP) team offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support and services.

CSP carries out its mission through two programs:

• Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

• PGCSS is the core of VA’s CSP. The program provides peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs, and referrals to available resources to caregivers of Veterans.

• Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

• PCAFC offers enhanced clinical support and services for caregivers of eligible

Veterans who have a serious injury (or illness) and require in-person personal care services among other requirements.

Please encourage Veterans/Caregivers to apply if you feel they may be eligible for services. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to one of our team members or email us at VHAMRNCAREGIVERSUPPORT@va.gov