REACH VA

Many families are struggling to care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease and many   afflicted are veterans.  The family caregiver may not know where or how to seek help. 

The Veteran’s Administration (VA) recognized a need to help these caregivers and

designed a pilot program:  REACH VA (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in the Veteran’s Administration), which focused on resources, training and the caregiver’s health and well-being.  It provided 12 individual in-home and telephone counseling sessions for veterans and their caregivers, five telephone support group sessions, a written caregiver quick guide with various topics addressed, education on safety and patient behavior management as well as advice on caring for their own health needs.  The program lasted six months and demonstrated success in reducing caregiver stress and improving care outcomes for veterans.  Caregivers participating in the pilot  reported that their burdens were reduced and they felt less frustrated and depressed; the veterans demonstrated decreased dementia-related behaviors.  The caregivers felt better informed, more confident and less alone as they now had a lifeline with the VA staff.  Supporting these caregivers allows the veterans to stay in their own homes surrounded by loved ones.  The VA has announced that it is now expanding the pilot program nationwide for veterans and family caregivers.

The VA is planning similar programs for caregivers providing care of veterans with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.

Contacting local VA caregiver support coordinators is the first step in getting help.  You can get more information on REACH VA and other caregiver support groups on  www.caregiver.va.gov.

I hope this program will serve as a model to other health care providers; hospitals, home care agencies, insurance companies and government agencies to recognize and assist the family caregiver.

The VA also offers other assistance to caregivers and their loved ones in need:  adult day care, home care, hospice, respite, special equipment and home modifications for the disabled.  Contact the VA Caregiver Support Line @1-855-260-3274 for more information.  

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