VA Announces Internal Review of Caregiver Program
April 17, 2017, 06:07:00 PM
WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that, effective April 17, it has suspended revocations initiated by VA medical centers based on eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for three weeks.
“VA is taking immediate action to review the National Caregiver Support Program to ensure we honor our commitment to enhance the health and well-being of Veterans,” said Dr. David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “I have instructed an internal review to evaluate consistency of revocations in the program and standardize communication with Veterans and caregivers nationwide.”
VA Medical Centers will continue accepting PCAFC applications, approving applicants based upon current eligibility criteria, processing appeals and monitoring eligible Veterans’ well-being at least every 90 days, unless otherwise clinically indicated.
“Caregivers play a critically important role in the health and well-being of Veterans, and caring for an injured Veteran is a labor of love,” said Dr. Poonam Alaigh, Acting VA Under Secretary for Health. “We remain focused on process improvements and support services for our family caregivers so they can take care of our Veterans.”
Revocations exempted from this suspension include those made at the request of the Veteran or caregiver; by the local Caregiver Support Program for cause or noncompliance; or due to death, permanent institutionalization or long-term hospitalization of a Veteran or caregiver.
VA recognizes that family caregivers who care for Veterans in their homes have been putting Veterans first since the founding of our nation. VA’s Caregiver Support Program will continue to provide a menu of training, education and resources to enhance the family caregiver role. These support improved family caregiver understanding of the impact that their work has on the health and well-being of the Veteran they care for.
To learn more about the VA Caregiver Support Program, visit the Caregiver Website or call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.
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