A program including caregivers into Veterans’ medical teams is expanding across all of VA, Secretary Robert Wilkie announced Oct. 19 during a virtual 5th annual VA-Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening event.

The Campaign for Inclusive Care Academy equips doctors, nurses, social workers and frontline medical personnel with training to support Veterans and caregivers.Campaign for Inclusive Care image

The training focuses on caregivers and Veterans receiving geriatric, polytrauma and traumatic brain injury care. Providers learn about three topics: the caregiver’s journey, the value of clear and mutual communication, and Veterans Health Administration privacy policies.

“We need to quickly and fully integrate you into the fabric of VA healthcare,” Wilkie told the audience. “Keeping you at the forefront is why we included caregivers in the design of the new electronic health record system we will launch Saturday. Keeping you at the forefront is why, under the MISSION Act, we’re expanding that caregiver program now to finally include the soldiers of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Veteran eligibility includes those with a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher. That eligibility includes Veterans whose disability is a result of an injury, an illness or a disease.

“We expect this first phase of expansion will let us enroll twice as many eligible Veterans and caregivers,” the secretary said.

Program evolution

Previously, including caregivers into Veteran care wasn’t consistent. Under the new program, VA medical personnel will ask Veterans if they want a caregiver included in medical care.

The program started with three Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs. The three are VISN 10, headquartered in Ohio and covering parts of the Midwest; VISN 17, headquartered in Texas; and VISN 20, headquartered in Washington and covering the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

More than 300 VA participants trained as champions of inclusive care, said Leah Christensen, national clinical program coordinator. She said they spread awareness across VA healthcare systems, encouraging colleagues to engage in the Academy. The champions also trained colleagues on the importance of including caregivers in care planning and how to support caregivers in their role.

Christensen said after completing the Academy for Inclusive Care, results showed increases on practicing inclusive care with Veterans and caregivers.

The Campaign for Inclusive Care Academy has several goals. One is helping VA identify caregivers and make them part of the team. Equipping caregivers to promote more positive clinical outcomes is another goal. The program also aims to enhance VA’s Choose Home program and improve care in the home. The last goal is to ensure that the information VA receives about caregivers is respected and remains private.

Background

VA started meeting with the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee in October 2017. In September 2018, the Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research started. The Joint Campaign for Inclusive Care launched in October 2019.

Research published in the June 2019 edition of the journal Health Affairs showed VA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s progress on a Veteran’s health care treatment.

The report was “Including Family Caregivers in Seriously Ill Veterans’ Care: A Mixed-Methods Study.” Duke University led the research and emphasized caregiver inclusion identified in the VA – Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Campaign for Inclusive Care, which strengthens health care and is a model for improving care in the private sector. The Campaign for Inclusive Care is one of several initiatives and programs through which VA supports Veterans’ caregivers.

Respite relief

Former Sen. Elizabeth Dole also highlighted a caregiver effort to help Veterans, the Respite Relief program. The partnership between VA and the Dole Foundation offers no-cost, short-term aid from at-home care professionals. They can help with bathing, cooking, exercising, transportation, and companionship, among other tasks.

The program is expanding to nationwide coverage. Caregivers in every state can now apply for no-cost professional caregiver support from the fund of 75,000 hours made possible by CareLinx, Wounded Warrior Project, and AARP. Learn more at hiddenheroes.org/respite.

(Note: this blog was updated Oct. 21, 2020)

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5 Comments

  1. Joel Nevins October 21, 2020 at 22:55

    I am 100% disabled veteran I needed two knee replacements since 2010 the VA tells me my A-1 C one was too high and my weight was too heavy I went to the Bronx VA to get my stomach 2/3 of it cut out I lost 150 pounds my A-1 C one is 6.9 I would Like to have two knee replacements done who can I talk to about getting this done finally I was in a wheelchair for nine years I just got out of the power wheelchair last year because of the stomach surgery I’m able to walk with a walker but I need to have my knees replaced can someone help me thank you

  2. teresa johnston October 20, 2020 at 15:48

    I think you screwed the whole system up cant even get the care we need now cause when you need a referral from your primary care provider when it gets in the systerm it just sits there. I have 2 call for 2 months asking why. I can get them processed find out tri west dumped over 10,000 consults back to the va it is understaffed it what get told. Than ask for a list of providers we cant get one and if you do half of them are not even taking tri west since you changed to the new way of doing any good. So thank you to Evers brilliant idea this was flood the system so we cant get the care we need. To open the hospitals back up so we can make appointments the civilian hospitals are. Tired of hearing cause of Covid 19

  3. Walter Joseph litrell October 19, 2020 at 17:52

    What kind of help can I get with your program.?

  4. Walter Joseph litrell October 19, 2020 at 17:50

    I have a few questions. I am a 100% disabled veteran. I was wounded in a land mine explosion in vietnam. I have medical conditions caused from agent orange. I am trying to get a physical therapist to help me walk at least some again. I am in a wheelchair now. At this time I am in an assisted living facility. I do not feel that I need this level of care at this time. I would just like to have in home care in some way. I no longer have a home I own, but can rent. Need someone to talk to me to discuss my options.

  5. Paula Minger October 19, 2020 at 16:18

    I’ve been a lucky caregiver. We’ve always used the VA since 1976. All of my husbands physicians have included me

    I think the problems for post 9/11 is most are receiving mental hea,th care which dies it tricky

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