Orlando VA Healthcare System Recognizes November as National Family Caregivers Month

This annual observance serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by family caregivers and the essential role they play in the well-being of Veterans.

Throughout the month of November, the OVAHCS is dedicated to honoring and supporting family caregivers.

“We recognize that caregivers often selflessly provide physical, emotional, and logistical support to their loved ones who have served our Nation,” said Christene Suarez, OVAHCS Caregiver Support Program Coordinator. “This support network is the backbone of Veterans' care and deserves our utmost respect and appreciation.”

The "Year of the Caregiver" theme underscores the holistic approach to caregiving. Caregivers must not only focus on the well-being of the Veterans they serve but also prioritize their own physical and emotional health. The OVAHCS is committed to providing resources and assistance to ensure that caregivers receive the support they need, not just during November but year-round.

"Our family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system," said Timothy J. Cooke, OVAHCS Director/CEO. "They are dedicated, selfless, and provide unwavering support to Veterans. We are proud to celebrate and support them this National Family Caregivers Month."

Throughout November, the OVAHCS will host a series of events, workshops, and activities dedicated to educating, recognizing, and supporting family caregivers. These initiatives will cover a range of topics, including stress management, self-care, and navigating the healthcare system. The goal is to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to continue their essential work.

The following OVAHCS Caregiver Support program events are available for caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or with the Program of General Caregiver Support Services.

• Drive-thru and Resource Fair 
  November 7th 
  from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                        Orlando VA Medical Center                                                                                                                                                                13800 Veterans Way, Orlando (Rear of medical center)
• Caregiver Art Exhibit 
  Monday – Friday during November 
  from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                    Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic                                                                                                                                                    5201 Raymond Street, Orlando Building 500, 4th  floor, Room 405
• Caregiver Self-Care Day 
  November 1st 
  from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.                                                                                                                                                      Clermont Community Based Outpatient Clinic                                                                                                                          3200 Citrus Tower Boulevard, Clermont, FL
• Taking Care of the Elderly
  (offered in Spanish)                                                                                                                                                                      November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                            Virtual Class/link will be sent upon registration (see registration details below)
• Handling Emotions                                                                                                                                                                             November 3rd                                                                                                                                                                                             from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Virtual Class/link will be sent upon registration (see registration details below)
• Lowering Stress and Improving Mood                                                                                                                                        November 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Virtual Class/link will be sent upon registration (see registration details below)
• Caregiver Get Together                                                                                                                                                               November 14th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.                                                                                                                        Tavares Community Based Outpatient Clinic                                                                                                                              1390 East Burleigh Blvd Tavares, FL (see registration details below)
• CPR Training Class                                                                                                                                                                            November 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                  Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic                                                                                                                                                    5201 Raymond Street Orlando, FL (Room TBA) (see registration details below)
• Resource Fair/Caregiver Celebration                                                                                                                                     November 29th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.                                                                                                                                  Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando (see registration details below)
• Effective Communication Strategies for Dementia                                                                                                       December 5th from 11:00 a.m.  – 12:00 p.m.                                                                                                                               Virtual Class/link will be sent upon registration (see registration details below)

Event organizers ask that all registration requests be emailed to michelle.harper@va.gov or Catherine.dunlap@va.gov. Please include your full name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your mailing address.

As part of the month-long observance, the OVAHCS encourages the community to participate in honoring family caregivers. Whether it's through social media recognition, community events, or personal gestures of gratitude, everyone can contribute to showing appreciation for these dedicated individuals.