The VA announced the latest of several changes to its relationship with veteran caregivers Oct. 19, when Secretary Robert Wilkie outlined the rollout of a program that will increase caregiver involvement in their veterans’ health care decisions.

A new training program, the Campaign for Inclusive Care Academy, addresses inconsistent caregiver involvement across VA, according to a VA blog post. Program participants – to include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other medical personnel – will ask the veteran whether their caregiver should be included in medical care decisions.

It’s far from the only recent caregiver change at the VA, which expanded its support program to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans earlier this year. Caregivers can get updates on these programs, and other support efforts, via MOAA’s Nov. 10 webinar, featuring representatives from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

[REGISTER TODAY: Military Caregivers in Action]

Did you know the Elizabeth Dole Foundation offers no-cost, short-term aid for at-home care professionals to help with bathing, cooking, exercising, transportation, and companionship, among other tasks? And caregivers in every state can now apply for no-cost professional caregiver support made possible through the cooperation and donations of CareLinx, Wounded Warrior Project, AARP, and VA. Learn more about these programs via HiddenHeroes.org.

MOAA’s webinar will cover existing resources and the many new, supportive programs designed for caregivers, especially in light of the pandemic. Caregivers will share their stories, highlighting not only the challenges they continue to face, but also how they cope. 

MOAA knows caregivers’ time can be extremely precious and valuable. Can’t make the live event on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Eastern? No problem: Register for the webinar and we’ll send you a link to the recording so you can view at your convenience.