Conquering Dementia as a team
By Erika Jacobson, Caregiver Support Program Manager
As dementia rates rise among Veterans, the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is meeting the challenge with a united, team-based approach that supports both Veterans and their caregivers.
With the rising need for dementia care, especially in Veterans, the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) has developed innovative ways to meet the needs of our nation’s heroes. The Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) team and Caregiver Support work hand in hand to provide care for the Veterans and support for their caregiver.
These two programs developed by the SFVAHCS are essential because, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of Veterans living with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to increase by 8.4% through 2033, reaching more than 488,000.
The VA Caregiver Support Program offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans. Services offered include the Annie Caregiver Text Program, which promotes self-care for Caregivers and provides education specifically related to dementia. The Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers’ Health (REACH VA) program is an evidence-based intervention that is delivered by VA clinical staff to provide group or individual sessions on topics such as Dementia, Spinal Cord Injury, ALS, MS, PTSD, and others.
The BRO Team is a team-based intervention for Veterans struggling with dementia that assists by providing basic education, exploring challenging behaviors, and developing behavioral interventions to address behaviors related to dementia.
These programs work together to support Veterans and caregivers to ensure both parties remain healthy and successful. This is done by Caregiver Support coming alongside the caregiver to integrate the Caregiver as part of the care team while BRO ensures individualized, behavior-based care for the Veteran to maximize independence and quality of life.
Some examples of this have included:
- BRO Team is providing quarterly education to caregivers on basic dementia care concepts.
- Caregiver Support supports caregivers who are coping with Veterans exhibiting dementia related behaviors.
- Both teams are coordinating difficult care transitions such as to emergency rooms, long-term care facilities, or hospice care.
Dementia is a complex illness that requires flexibility and compassion for not only the affected person but those caring for that individual. The VA Caregiver Support Program and BRO Team are examples of what quality dementia care looks like.
For more information about Sioux Falls VA Dementia Care Services or events, please visit the Sioux Falls VA website and/or request a copy of the Sioux Falls VA Dementia and Aging Care Services booklet by contacting the BRO team at 605-336-3230 ext. 7735 or the Caregiver Support Program at ext. 5080.