Caring for the Caregiver
VA Boston provides help to those who are caring for veterans with chronic illness, disability and health care needs. Caregivers are the family members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans who are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. They deserve VA’s highest level of support.
VA values the sacrifices caregivers make to help Veterans remain at home. Caregivers are the critical link to ensuring Veterans have the highest quality care and optimal wellness. We want all caregivers to feel supported and have trust in VA to assist them in their caregiving roles.
Services
Our Social Work staff can provide assistance to the caregiver in a variety of ways, to include:
- Referrals for education
- Help to address current and future care needs
- A dementia caregiver support group, offered on a weekly basis
- Our Respite program offers caregivers a break from the demands of providing ongoing care.
- Adult Day Health Care program
VA Caregiver Support Line
- Serves as a resource/referral center for caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information;
- Provides referrals to local VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Coordinators and VA/community resources; and
- Provides emotional support.
- Responds to inquiries about the new caregiver benefits associated with Public Law 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.
The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The National Caregiver Support Line Toll-Free number is 1-855-260-3274.
Locally, the Caregiver Support Coordinator for VA Boston Healthcare System is Ms. Renee Gallagher, LCSW, MSW. She can be reached 617-248-1159, Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.
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