Phoenix VA Health Care System celebrates year of the caregiver
Veteran caregivers should never feel they are alone in their efforts to take care of their loved ones. If you are a caregiver for a Veteran, you are an essential part of the VA’s mission.
“A while back, a caregiver enrolled in our program expressing feelings of sadness, isolation and low value,” said Amanda Mason with the Phoenix VA program of general caregiver support services. “Over a 6-month period, this caregiver engaged in coaching, supports groups, workshops, and even therapy. At my last contact with her, she told me that she had discovered that she is ‘a person of value.’ She had learned to prioritize her needs, set realistic goals for herself, and embrace her identity both within and outside of caregiving. What’s more, she shared that since better communicating her needs and goals, her spouse (the Veteran) and children had become more independent as well.”
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Caregiver Support Program (CSP) celebrated National Family Caregivers Month in November with the 2023 theme, “Year of the Caregiver – The Whole Caregiver,” which embodies VA’s commitment to caregivers, who play a key role in supporting Veterans.
“Caregivers are the unsung heroes behind Veteran care,” said Charles Mezey, caregiver support program manager/section chief for the Phoenix VA. “They are the parents, spouses, sons, daughters, partners/significant others and friends of Veterans. They often step into the caregiver role based on an existing relationship they have with the Veteran in their life.”
Supporting caregivers is an essential component of VA’s health care priorities and the CSP is leading the charge to ensure caregivers have the resources and community to live whole lives. In the last year Phoenix VA has made significant progress on behalf of caregivers. We updated our mission to be more inclusive not just of all Veterans but their families, caregivers, and survivors as well.
“The CSP team works with enrolled caregivers to find out what matters most to them and what would make a difference in their caregiving journey,” said Mason. “By doing this, we match them to the support services that best fits their needs, strengths, and desires.”
This ranges from our coaching programs to other services like respite, support groups, workshops and educational programs. CSP also launched new efforts and improved resources to support caregivers such as respite, peer support mentoring, virtual psychotherapy for caregivers, and legal & financial services.
“Support isn’t one size fits all approach and support needs can change over time,” said Mason.
Looking ahead, Phoenix VA CSP will continue this progress with emphasis on supporting the whole caregiver; improving the caregiver and Veteran experience by expanding clinical services; increasing awareness and accessibility of respite training. Also, as part of the goal for CSP in November, the Phoenix VA has been encouraging Veteran caregivers who are not in CSP to enroll.
“Sometimes friends and family members don’t know that they have stepped into a caregiver role until a VA staff member tells them and educates them about the Caregiver Support Program,” said Mezey. “This CSP is here to give them support to prevent burnout, reduce isolation, and remember that their health and wellness matters, too.”
Every caregiver of a Veteran enrolled in VA health care can participate in CSP. As participants, caregivers gain access to a range of local, national, individual, and group resources, including:
- Monthly Caregiver Support Groups
- Pathfinder Skills for Caregivers
- Taking Charge of My Life and Health
- Caregiver Health and Well-being Coaching
- Building Better Caregivers
- Caregivers FIRST (Finding Important Resources, Support and Training)
- Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health (REACH) VA Program
- Peer Support Mentoring
- Respite
“Caregivers are amazing, incredibly resilient people. Sometimes they need reminders of just how resilient they are. If I can help them with that, and with knowing they are not alone, then I have done my job,” said Mezey. “I learn from caregivers every day and feel a connection with the Caregiver Support Program’s mission. It’s an honor to walk alongside them.”
Visit this website for more information on the Phoenix VA Caregiver Support Program or call 602-277-5551, ext. 7777 (8 am to 3:30 pm Arizona Time).